Spec-by-Spec Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The TOTO Drake and Drake II share the same Drake silhouette and 12-inch rough-in, but they're separated by a generation of TOTO flush technology and seat-height engineering.
Flush technology
The Drake uses TOTO's G-Max system — a 3-inch flush valve and single siphon-jet that delivers MaP-rated 800g performance. It's reliable, well-engineered, and one of the best gravity flushes at its price tier. The Drake II adopts Tornado Flush — dual nozzles at the back of the rim that create a sustained vortex circling the bowl, with CeFiONtect glaze (ultra-smooth ceramic that resists buildup). MaP score climbs to 1,000g, the maximum.
Seat height
The Drake sits at 15 inches standard height. The Drake II is universal height at 17.25 inches — ADA-compliant and significantly easier on knees and hips. For adults over 50 or anyone with mobility concerns, this is the most consequential difference.
Bowl cleaning
The Drake II's CeFiONtect glaze noticeably reduces ring formation between cleanings — in hard-water households this saves 5-10 minutes per cleaning cycle and reduces frequency of full deep-cleans. The original Drake has standard glazing.
Price spread
Drake retails $340-380. Drake II retails $480-560 — a $130-180 premium for Tornado Flush, CeFiONtect, and the universal height. Over a 20-year ownership, that premium amortizes to under $10/year while saving meaningful daily quality-of-life.
What's identical
Both are two-piece elongated, both 1.28 GPF WaterSense-certified, both use the same fill valve and flapper service parts, both ship in White as standard (Drake II also offers Cotton White and Sedona Beige).
Final Verdict
We recommend the TOTO Drake II for primary residential installations where Tornado Flush bowl-cleaning, comfort-height ergonomics, and reduced maintenance labor justify the $130-180 premium. The original Drake remains a strong value pick for guest bathrooms, rental properties, or budget-constrained installs in soft-water areas.
Pros & Cons Side-by-Side
- 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
- Tornado Flush rim-jet design
- 1,000g MaP score
- ADA Universal Height
- CeFiONtect glaze
- Premium price
- Seat sold separately