Spec-by-Spec Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The American Standard Champion 4 ($380-450) and TOTO Drake ($340-380) compete head-to-head in the mid-tier two-piece category. Both deliver 1.28 GPF, both elongated, both 12" rough-in, both MaP 1,000g. The differentiators are trapway size and flush approach.
Trapway diameter
The Champion 4 has the largest residential trapway in the industry — 2-3/8 inches. The Drake has a 2-1/8 inch trapway, standard for premium residential. The Champion 4's extra 1/4 inch sounds trivial but represents 22% more cross-sectional area — meaningfully more clearance for waste passage.
Flush valve approach
The Champion 4 uses an oversized 4-inch flapper-based flush valve with the wider trapway behind it. Massive water release on flush, engineered for maximum clog resistance.
The Drake uses TOTO's G-Max 3-inch flush valve with single siphon-jet. Refined, efficient, but with tighter clearance for waste.
Clog resistance reality
For high-fiber-diet households, households with septic systems, or anyone with chronic clog history, the Champion 4 is the clearly better pick. The 2-3/8" trapway clears loads the Drake will struggle with.
For typical residential use with average waste patterns, both perform reliably — clogging is rare on either.
Bowl cleaning
The Drake (especially the Drake II variant with Tornado Flush + CeFiONtect) has a measurable edge in long-term bowl cleanliness. Standard Drake uses simpler rim wash; the Champion 4 also has standard rim holes.
Service and parts
Both have universal aftermarket parts (flapper, fill valve, anode-free design). Service is similar in both ecosystems.
Use case alignment
Champion 4: clog-prone households, septic systems, high-traffic powder rooms, rental properties.
Drake: typical residential, soft-water households, anyone valuing refined Japanese engineering.
Final Verdict
We recommend the American Standard Champion 4 for households prone to clogs — the 2-3/8" trapway and oversized flush valve clear loads that the Drake struggles with. The Drake is a refined choice for typical residential use where Tornado Flush bowl-cleaning matters more than maximum clog clearance.
Choose American Standard if...
You prefer American Standard's strengths and feature set.
Buy American Standard — Check current pricePros & Cons Side-by-Side
- 4-inch flush valve — largest residential flush valve in US market
- MaP 1,000g+ score — among strongest gravity-flush in residential
- Industry-leading 10-year flush engine warranty
- 1.28 GPF WaterSense certified
- EverClean glaze available on -EC variant
- PowerWash rim cleaning during flush
- Comfort Height (16.5") + elongated bowl
- Solves chronic clog problems without pressure-assist noise
- Most-spec'd strong-flush toilet by US plumbers
- Loud flush — 4-inch valve dumps water faster, creating audible "whoosh"
- 4-inch flapper is larger (and more expensive) than standard 2/3-inch flappers
- Standard ceramic glaze on base SKU (EverClean upgrade is +$30-$60)
- SoftClose seat NOT included
- Larger water-supply line connection footprint
- Heavier tank (~38 lbs vs ~32 for Cadet 3)
- G-Max flush — proven 35+ years of reliable performance
- 800g MaP score (well above 500g threshold)
- Universal Height (ADA-compliant)
- Available with or without CeFiONtect glaze
- Korky/Fluidmaster aftermarket parts fit perfectly
- Drake parts stocked at every US plumbing supply
- 12" rough-in fits standard US bathrooms
- Washlet+ compatible
- G-Max flush is less efficient than Drake II Double Cyclone
- Soft-close seat NOT included (extra $40-70)
- Larger footprint than compact-elongated models
- No CeFiONtect glaze on base SKU (-SL variant)
- Sedona Beige and Bone colors are special-order in some regions