Makita makes two different 18v lithium ion cordless drills, including the BDF451 and the BDF452. Although offering many similar features, the two drills vary widely, including a 0 price difference. The BDF451 is blue, while the BDF452 is white, but this is the least of their differences. For ease of comparison, we'll call them by their colors instead of their model numbers.
First, The Blue is designed for homeowners and low-end contractors, while the more expensive Blue is designed for professionals who use cordless drills on a regular basis. The differences, and the differences in price, are obvious.
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The Watt Hours for the included batteries differ considerably. The Blue uses 3 AH batteries at 18V, giving 54 Watt hours, while the White has 1.5 AH batteries at 18V, for 27 Watt hours. The run-time on the Blue is double twice that of the White, which includes cheaper batteries to fit a Value Line price point. The chargers are also different. While both have fans, the Blue's charger uses an optimum temperature controller to produce a more even charge.
The White uses a two-speed transmission, while the Blue uses a three-speed one. The resulting difference is a 450 versus 560 torque rating between the two models.
Both models offer the typical Makita high quality and durability, so how and how much you plan to use the drill will determine which model is appropriate for you. For the homeowner or casual user, the White is a great choice, offering a step up from 18v Ni-Cad models, while the professional will appreciate the longer running time and higher torque rating of the Blue.