Chrome/Chrome OS Version: Whatever was running on the AOpen Chromebox Mini on December 28th, 2017.
Chrome OS Platform: AOpen Chromebox Mini
Network info: not sure, probably doesn't matter.

Please specify Cr-* of the system to which this bug/feature applies (add
the label below).

Steps To Reproduce:
(1) Install ChromeOS, open a few Google docs/drive tabs.
(2) Click on the "Docs" icon.
(3) Click on the "Drive" icon.

Expected Result:
Both icons have a similar, predictable behavior.

Actual Result:
The "Docs" icon opens a new doc.
The "Drive" icon selects between already-open Drive & Docs tabs.

How frequently does this problem reproduce? (Always, sometimes, hard to
reproduce?)

Deterministically.

What is the impact to the user, and is there a workaround? If so, what is
it?

The family member who was setting up their Chromebox was very confused, and kept forgetting what was doing what.

I deleted the "Drive" icon and replaced it by a shortcut towards "My Drive", so the two buttons now have a similar behavior.v