Only speaking for the NL here (though I am from the US): Trains are loud when they pass, but they are not a constant stream at certain times like cars are. They are also usually not moving at full speed when passing through urban areas as they are accelerating or decelerating anyway. Someone also mentioned that property values are generally higher here near the train because it's a convenient way to travel. This is also (AFAIK) true in larger cities like Tokyo with more sophisticated commuter rail.

Just no contest between trains and cars.