The biggest difference I find with tools is power.

I have a el-cheepo 830watt 240v drill. I also have access to a 750watt black and decker drill. Dispite the wattage rateings the black and decker never seems to struggle but the el-cheepo does very much so.

As for Corded/Cordless drills in the expensive sector have a look out for:
Mikita.
Hitechi.
De Walt.

And one thing I cant live without: a 240v to 110v transformer. On all the building sites they have to use 110v (the law) so alot of tools you come accross will be 110v. Invest in a good transformer and your sorted. I got a 110v angle grinder (4.5) bosch for only 35euro compaired to 60 for the 240v.

Regards
Ian