Yes, driving and riding standards were one comparator, another was infrastructure condition. I wasn't driving on either holiday.
A week in Sorrento followed 2 days later by a week in the Black Forest, walking. Except an injured foot meant I couldn't walk for long. So others walked and, by chance, I was able to see some of this
http://www.baiersbronn-classic.de/text_ ... -2016.html, millions of Euros or £ of immaculate cars. Edited to add and motorcycles.
Particular fun was the lack of traffic lights in Sorrento, major junctions just a riot of horns and chaos. The many scooterists appearing to have no need to obey any form of regulation. Pedestrian, pah, take your chance. The absolutely diabolical state of the pavements and many buildings.
Then, of course, in contrast, the state of such things in Germany.
In terms of prices, for most tourist stuff there appeared to be little difference, with both being slightly cheaper than the UK, even at current exchange rate.
I know we're leaving but I just don't see how the "Ever closer union" can happen. It's as if those who write this stuff and decide don't ever look about them or travel within and all over the EU countries.