I think the virago goes a little faster than that. I've ridden it on the interstate and it goes fine. I wouldn't go 2-up tho. They should both get 50mpg+. Yamaha/Honda, both reliable.
The Virago is a v-twin, and seems to have a little better torque than the rebel (A single). This also makes the Virago sound a lot cooler when you ride it.
Potato-Potato-potato.... like a little Harley.
Virago's seem less common than Rebels, I don't know why. If you're a big guy, you could look at a Honda shadow 600. They're a cheap, simple, bullet proof bike that isn't overly big or powerful.