The three real differences
The Drake and Drake II are both two-piece elongated 1.28 GPF toilets from TOTO. They share the same general form and 12-inch rough-in. The differences are subtle but functionally significant.
Difference 1: Flush technology
Drake (CST744SL) uses TOTO\'s G-Max flush system: a 3-inch flush valve and a single siphon-jet design. Effective, reliable, lower-cost. MaP score 800g — best-in-class for gravity flush.
Drake II (CST454CEFG) uses TOTO\'s Tornado Flush: dual nozzles at the back of the rim create a swirling vortex around the bowl. CeFiONtect glaze (super-smooth surface) keeps the bowl cleaner between flushes. MaP score 1,000g — class-leading for gravity flush.
Real-world impact: Drake II is noticeably more thorough at bowl rinsing — eliminates the "second flush" some users do on the original Drake. Tornado Flush also resists mineral buildup in the rim area better.
Difference 2: Bowl design
Drake: traditional elongated bowl with visible rim holes around the underside.
Drake II: universal-height (17.25") seat for ADA-friendliness, CeFiONtect-glazed bowl, "double-cyclone" or "tornado" rim with no holes — just two large angled nozzles. Cleaner inside, easier to clean.
Difference 3: Price
Drake: $340-380 at major retailers. Drake II: $480-560. The premium is ~$130-180 for the Tornado Flush, CeFiONtect glaze, and ADA-compliant height.
What\'s identical
Both are two-piece, both 12" rough-in, both 1.28 GPF, both come in white only (Drake II also in Cotton White and Sedona Beige), both have 1-year limited warranty, both use the same fill valve and flapper parts.
Which to choose
Drake if: budget under $400, classic look acceptable, lighter household use, soft-water area where bowl buildup isn\'t a concern.
Drake II if: hard-water area (rim-hole scale is a daily annoyance), ADA-height required for taller adults or aging-in-place, willing to spend $150 more for measurably better bowl-clearing.
A note on "Eco Drake"
Don\'t confuse with the Eco Drake (CST744E), TOTO\'s 1.28 GPF version of the original Drake. Eco Drake = Drake with reduced GPF. Drake II = different flush technology entirely. The Eco Drake is essentially the same toilet at the same price; the Drake II is a generation newer.
Honest verdict
For most buyers, Drake II is worth the $150 premium — Tornado Flush noticeably improves daily experience and the CeFiONtect glaze pays back in reduced cleaning labor over the toilet\'s 20-year lifespan. If budget is tight, the original Drake is one of the best-engineered toilets you can buy at any price.
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