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The Fuel is a big upgrade from the older brush style motors.... The M12 will be hard pressed to do everything you could want but the M12 fuel will handle about 90% of all your needs...
To be fair, you went from M12 to M18 brushless - not quite apples to apples. I'm not big into ratings, but they should offer some basis for comparison. Milwaukee's site was down, but the M12 drill is rated for 275 in-lbs, while the M18 fuel is 725 in-lbs. Yeah - BIG difference! However the M12 fuel is only 350 in-lbs. So maybe it'll run longer and last longer in theory, but if 275 in-lbs is "hard-pressed" on a regular basis, 350 in-lbs isn't going to be a
whole lot better. Curiously, Bosch rates the brushed and brushless 12v models as having the same 265 in-lbs of torque. I don't want to put too much emphasis on ratings - between the two you were considering, it's almost certainly a wash.
I still don't think either will be under-powered. 350 in-lbs approaches the 18v tools of a decade ago, while the Makita 9.6v only produced 120 odd in-lbs peak. Not to mention that ni-cad tools got weaker as the battery was discharged. These are comparatively powerful tools you are looking at.
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I sold the non fuel drills when I got the Fuels, and I have to say they are a step up in comfort, quality, and obviously power, but there is nothing wrong with the non fuels and I'd buy them again if I had to start over and the price was a major factor.
Step up is probably a fair statement (as above), but if you need to get up to another
level, something more is probably needed.
Something like.....
http://t.homedepot.com/p/Makita-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Compact-Combo-Kit-2-Tool-LCT200W/100596872/
I have 2 of these sets, one at work , one at home. I'm thrilled with them, I have always liked Makita stuff....
Those are great value. I have the older stuff. For reference, and subject of course to the caveat that the ratings may not be a accurate comparison, that Makita drill linked is rated for 480 in-lbs. If I was worried that 275 in-lbs from the M12 might not cut it in theory, the step up to 18v - from any manufacturer - would probably be the right choice.
Get a plugged drill and an extension cord.
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You know drills have a chuck not a square drive, you talking about an impact driver? But then again you mentioned "chuck".
Maybe just go to home depot and buy whatever has the best warranty in your price range (18v). 12v don't touch...
For any casual homeowner, a cordless drill is an extremely useful and more than adequate tool. That said, I agree that if you're tight on $$$ corded tools are always best for longevity. I'm assuming the OP has a corded drill for more serious tasks, which is all the more reason to get 12v. If you're drilling in concrete, thick metal (or larger holes), mixing grout and so on, just grab the corded drill. If I was trying to save, I'd buy a nice corded drill to last a lifetime and a cheap cordless. But that wasn't the OP's goal or question.
Also, chucks (round) are still measured! The M12 is a 3/8" chuck, while the M12 fuel is 1/2". Most hardware store bits above 3/8 have a reduced (to 3/8) shank anyways, so I wouldn't worry on that one. Obviously depending on the material either drill might not be up to the job.
