I've got ~1.5-2 seconds on 'Test' and ~8 seconds on 'Attempt'.

the test IS bad though. sometimes it expects a space after \n and sometimes it does not.
I also completed this kata but could not pass the tests because my string doesn't have the same " " as the test, and there was no clear instruction for how he wants that or why it changes betwee values 1 and >1

Nope it's a good kata and very detailed description. Try writing it on a paper. Look for increament between diamond.