Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS

Compare the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is £80,000 cheaper. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is 0.3s quicker to 60mph. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is priced from £175,000, powered by a 5.2L Twin-Turbo V12, producing 715 hp, with 900 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.4 s, a top speed of 211 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is priced from £145,000, powered by a 3.6L e-turbo flat-six T-Hybrid, producing 534 hp, with 610 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.1 s, a top speed of 194 mph, sent to the road via all-wheel drive.

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera offers a 270-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 20 mpg, is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS offers a 135-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 26 mpg, is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty.

On cost of ownership, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is £80,000 cheaper than its rival, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS costs less in annual maintenance (£4,200 versus £1,500), the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is the more fuel-efficient choice, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS has 63 L fuel tank.

Driving Character: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS

The DBS Superleggera is defined by the sheer ferocity of its 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12, a powerplant that delivers 715hp with an unrelenting, surging intensity. Unlike its more surgical rivals, the car prioritises theatre and immense torque, relying on its rear-wheel-drive architecture to provide a raw, visceral driving experience. The chassis is tuned for stability at triple-digit speeds, though it occasionally struggles to mask its weight through tight, technical corners. It feels like a heavyweight prize fighter—monumentally powerful and capable of incredible feats, yet demanding a firm hand to keep its formidable energy under precise control at all times.

The 992.2 Targa 4 GTS uses a 3.6-litre flat-six with an electrically assisted exhaust turbocharger and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed PDK. The combustion engine supplies 357 kW and 570 Nm; combined system output is 398 kW and 610 Nm. All-wheel drive, rear-axle steering and PASM form part of the published chassis specification.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera — 5.2L twin-turbocharged V12; provides massive low-end torque for effortless high-speed progress; the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS — The 992.2 Targa 4 GTS combines a 3.6-litre electrically turbocharged flat-six with T-Hybrid assistance and all-wheel drive.. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: Rear-wheel drive dynamics; chassis maintains composure despite immense engine output. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Targa roof mechanism; chassis rigidity remains high despite the open-top architectural change. In outright terms it is 715 hp against 534 — a 181 hp gap — and the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS reaches 60 mph 0.3s sooner.

Interior & Cabin: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS

Inside, the cabin is an exercise in excess and traditional elegance, heavily draped in high-quality leather and aluminium accents. The layout follows a classic grand touring aesthetic, prioritising comfort over the minimalist tech focus seen in the latest generation of supercars. While the materials are undeniably opulent, the infotainment system feels dated, reflecting the development cycle of its era. The seating position is low and supportive, perfectly suited for long-distance cruising, even if the user interface occasionally requires more effort than the streamlined systems found in current, competition-focused rivals within the same price bracket.

The cabin of the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is dominated by the iconic Targa bar, which provides a unique open-air experience while maintaining structural integrity. The interior is finished to a high standard, with premium materials and the intuitive, driver-centric layout that characterises the 992 generation. While the Targa bar creates a stylish aesthetic, it does restrict rear visibility somewhat. The technology, including the standard Bose audio, is well-integrated and provides a modern feel. It is a sophisticated, high-quality environment that balances luxury with the functional needs of a performance-oriented driver.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera — Luxury-focused cabin; premium leather materials deliver a refined grand touring environment; the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS — Luxury ergonomics; tech-focused cabin environment balances modern comfort with driver engagement features. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: Driver-focused layout; integrates modern technology with traditional artisan interior finishes. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: High-quality leather and trim; interior refinement provides a quiet environment when closed.

Daily Usability: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS

For all its performance, the DBS Superleggera remains a usable grand tourer, provided one understands the limitations of its 244-litre boot. Ingress and egress are straightforward for a car of this profile, and the ride, while firm, is well-damped for motorway work, making it an excellent candidate for long-haul journeys. Urban environments present the greatest challenge; its width and aggressive stance can make tight parking situations stressful. It is an assertive presence on the road, offering a level of comfort that suits high-speed cruising perfectly, provided one keeps the long, muscular bonnet clear of low-speed obstacles.

Practicality is a major strength of the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS, as it offers the security of all-wheel drive and the joy of an open top. This combination makes it a genuinely usable car for all seasons, functioning perfectly as a daily driver. The rear seats offer occasional space for children or extra storage, and the front trunk is surprisingly capacious. While the roof mechanism does impact boot space when fully retracted, the overall design remains very user-friendly. It is a refined, comfortable cruiser that does not sacrifice its sporty character in the pursuit of daily usability.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera — 244L boot capacity; accommodates enough luggage for extended grand touring trips; the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS — The manufacturer technical sheet lists 135 litres of front luggage volume; rear stowage is a separate figure.. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: 120mm ground clearance; sufficient for standard speed bumps and driveway transitions. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: 110 mm clearance ensures daily usability; ride quality absorbs common road imperfections well. that means 270 litres of boot space against 135, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS, and everyday running costs that favour the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS at the pumps.

Ownership: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS

Running a V12-powered DBS Superleggera requires commitment, as the high-output engine and premium components result in significant annual maintenance costs. The model benefits from a well-established dealer network, but owners should be prepared for the realities of high-performance parts and servicing. As an out-of-production model, it has reached a point of relative stability in the second-hand market, though it is not a car that will ever be considered inexpensive to keep. It remains a coveted choice for enthusiasts seeking the definitive V12 Aston Martin experience before the forced transition to smaller displacement, forced-induction powertrains.

The 992.2 Targa 4 GTS combines the Targa roof system with the newer T-Hybrid powertrain. Service requirements must be checked against the exact model year and market. Its electric turbocharger and transmission-integrated motor distinguish its servicing needs from the earlier GTS. Warranty and repair costs depend on the applicable contract, vehicle history and market.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera — Extensive brand dealer support; provides consistent maintenance for performance-oriented owners; the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS — Reliable Porsche drivetrain; servicing is supported by a comprehensive dealer network infrastructure. Characteristic of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: High prestige; luxury brand status ensures stable demand in the enthusiast market. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Strong resale market; combination of Targa style and GTS performance maintains desirability. On the wallet the two diverge at £175,000 versus £145,000 — a £30,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £4,200 against £1,500.

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