Aston Martin Vantage vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
Compare the Aston Martin Vantage vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS. The Aston Martin Vantage is £24,100 cheaper. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is 0.2s quicker to 60mph. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Aston Martin Vantage is priced from £120,900, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 503 hp, with 685 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5s, a top speed of 195 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is priced from £145,000, powered by a 3.0L Twin-Turbo Flat-6, producing 473 hp, with 570 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.3s, a top speed of 193 mph, sent to the road via all-wheel drive.
The Aston Martin Vantage offers a 350-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 25mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS offers a 132-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 26 mpg, is covered by a 4yr / 50k mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Aston Martin Vantage is £24,100 cheaper than its rival, the Aston Martin Vantage costs less in annual maintenance (£900 versus £1,500), the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £110 for the Aston Martin Vantage and £85 for the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS.
Driving Character: Aston Martin Vantage vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
The Vantage utilizes a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 to deliver a punchy 503 hp that defines its boisterous character. Its short wheelbase and wide track create a nimble, almost twitchy handling profile that demands constant input from the driver. The steering is direct, and the rear-wheel-drive architecture allows for significant adjustability through corners, though the traction control often intervenes aggressively in wet conditions to manage the 685 Nm of torque. It is a sports car that rewards experienced hands, trading absolute refinement for an engaging, visceral experience that feels decidedly more muscular than many of its rivals.
The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is defined by the versatility of its twin-turbo 3.0L flat-six, which offers a broader, more tractable power delivery than the naturally aspirated engines in the GT stable. Its all-wheel-drive system provides immense confidence, keeping the car composed in challenging conditions. The chassis is well-balanced, though the Targa roof mechanism introduces a weight penalty that slightly softens its cornering agility compared to a coupe. Nevertheless, with PASM and the GTS-tuned sports suspension, it remains a highly capable machine that balances road-going comfort with the sharp dynamics expected of a Porsche sports car.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin Vantage takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 84 against 82. Characteristic of the Aston Martin Vantage: Sharp, engaging chassis with a thunderous AMG-sourced V8. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: The GTS sweet spot in an open-top Targa body with reassuring AWD grip. In outright terms it is 503 hp against 473 — a 30 hp gap — and the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS reaches 60 mph 0.2s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Aston Martin Vantage vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
The interior is a focused, driver-centric environment, though the reliance on older-generation Mercedes-Benz switchgear is increasingly apparent against modern standards. The cabin is trimmed in high-quality Alcantara and leather, conveying a sense of purpose rather than pure opulence. The rotary infotainment controller is functional but lacks the slickness of current touchscreen interfaces. While the driving position is low and perfectly suited for spirited work, some materials in the lower dashboard areas lack the premium feel one might expect given the brand’s positioning. Practicality is limited, yet the space feels appropriate for a focused sports machine.
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 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 80 against 84. Characteristic of the Aston Martin Vantage: Significantly improved cabin quality and tech over the outgoing car. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Comfortable, well-finished cabin with genuine everyday usability.
Daily Usability: Aston Martin Vantage vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
Daily usability is a mixed bag, with the Vantage excelling on open roads while requiring caution in urban settings. The front trunk provides a modest 325L of storage, which is surprisingly practical for short trips, provided one watches the low front splitter on kerbs and speed bumps. The ride is notably firm, especially in Sport mode, which can be fatiguing over longer distances on poor road surfaces. However, for a high-performance sports car, its compact dimensions make it relatively easy to place in traffic, provided the driver is mindful of the wide bodywork during parking.
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 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 62 against 80. Characteristic of the Aston Martin Vantage: More usable day-to-day than previous Vantage generations. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Genuinely usable daily 911 with the added versatility of an open roof. that means 350 litres of boot space against 132, 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 Vantage vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
The ownership proposition of the Vantage has improved significantly, with an expanding dealer network that makes servicing more accessible than in previous years. Maintenance costs are relatively modest at £900 annually, though turbo-related upkeep can add up as the car ages. The Vantage badge retains considerable brand cachet, which keeps residual values strong in the competitive sports car market. It remains a popular choice for those who want a blend of heritage, performance, and day-to-day usability without the extreme costs associated with the ultra-luxury, low-volume models in the Aston Martin stable.
Ownership of the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is bolstered by Porsche’s extensive and highly capable dealer network. Reliability is a strong point, with the well-proven twin-turbo engine and AWD system requiring standard, predictable maintenance. While the Targa roof mechanism adds a layer of technical complexity that could lead to higher long-term maintenance costs, the model's consistent popularity with enthusiasts ensures stable residual values. With a comprehensive four-year warranty, owners can enjoy the car with confidence, knowing they have a reliable, multi-talented vehicle that excels in almost every category of performance and daily usage.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 58 against 80. Characteristic of the Aston Martin Vantage: Entry-level Aston with a strong enthusiast following. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Strong Porsche reliability reputation and broad dealer network. On the wallet the two diverge at £120,900 versus £145,000 — a £24,100 difference, with annual maintenance of £900 against £1,500, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 4yr / 50k mi.