It depends on the subject I think and the teacher. I think for me AS, was quite slow. For Lit we had our HoD and she was so slow with getting through coursework text as she wanted us to dissect every part of the novel! However at A2, we went REALLY fast with reading and got Enduring Love finished in 3 weeks (over a period of 9 lessons, which is 9 hours, this including reading for homework as the main analysis was in class).
Content is usually heavier when you have both/all units that are 100% exams. For my Philosophy and Ethics, even though it's one title, one subject, it totally felt like you were studying them separately! I really just believe it's down to the subject, teacher, exam board you're with.
However, generically A-level life is pretty fast, cause you are hit with a lot of different things at such a fast pace! But I'm so glad all those 2 Hellish LONG years a beyond me! #BringOnResultsDay