Audi RS6 Avant vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
Compare the Audi RS6 Avant vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS. The Audi RS6 Avant is £37,000 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 Audi RS6 Avant is priced from £108,000, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 591 hp, with 800 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5s, a top speed of 190 mph, sent to the road via all-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 Audi RS6 Avant offers a 565-litre boot, folding rear seats, runs on petrol, returns around 24 mpg, 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 Audi RS6 Avant is £37,000 cheaper than its rival, the Audi RS6 Avant costs less in annual maintenance (£1,100 versus £1,500), the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £90 for the Audi RS6 Avant and £85 for the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS.
Driving Character: Audi RS6 Avant vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
The RS6 Avant is the definitive super-estate, wielding a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 that delivers 591 hp with crushing authority. Its Quattro system and all-wheel steering work in tandem to shrink the car’s perceived size, allowing it to navigate complex B-roads with surprising ease. The power delivery is immediate, bolstered by mild-hybrid assistance that masks any hint of lag. It is a master of cross-country velocity, offering a level of grip and composure that remains unmatched in the sector. While the 4575 lbs mass is present, the chassis balance is so well-sorted that it never feels overwhelmed or ponderous.
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 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 75 against 82. Characteristic of the Audi RS6 Avant: Composed, quattro-assured pace rather than outright playfulness. 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 591 hp against 473 — a 118 hp gap — and the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS reaches 60 mph 0.2s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Audi RS6 Avant vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
The cabin is a sanctuary of technology and luxury, defined by the high-definition Virtual Cockpit Plus and exquisitely finished Valcona leather. Every surface speaks to Audi's commitment to quality, with supportive sports seats that hold the driver firmly during high-speed cornering. The interior design is sophisticated, blending sharp, angular lines with an understated elegance. Despite being a tech-forward environment, the ergonomics remain intuitive, ensuring that even complex adjustments are simple to perform. It is a space designed for long journeys, offering a sense of calm and control, even when the engine is under full load.
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 Audi RS6 Avant takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 85 against 84. Characteristic of the Audi RS6 Avant: Spacious, airy, premium cabin with excellent tech. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Comfortable, well-finished cabin with genuine everyday usability.
Daily Usability: Audi RS6 Avant vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
Practically, the RS6 Avant is unrivalled as a high-performance family carrier. With 565 litres of boot space, which expands significantly when the seats are folded, it is ready for almost any task. The air suspension is a revelation, offering a plush, compliant ride for family trips while firming up instantly for spirited driving. Its wide body can be a liability in tight car parks, making the camera system a mandatory tool for urban navigation. However, the sheer ease with which it traverses miles in total comfort makes it an exceptional candidate for a single-car garage.
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 Audi RS6 Avant takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 92 against 80. Characteristic of the Audi RS6 Avant: Genuinely does everything — family transport, luggage and supercar-embarrassing pace. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Genuinely usable daily 911 with the added versatility of an open roof. that means 565 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: Audi RS6 Avant vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
Owning an RS6 Avant is an investment in unparalleled capability, though one must account for the significant running costs. With 24 mpg fuel economy and the wear associated with moving such high performance, it is not a cheap car to run. However, the Audi dealer network is top-tier, and the vehicle enjoys strong residual values, with enthusiasts constantly hunting for well-maintained examples. The annual maintenance costs are predictable for the segment, and the car's widespread support ensures longevity. For those who can stomach the fuel and service bills, it offers a level of excellence that is difficult to replicate.
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, 72 against 80. Characteristic of the Audi RS6 Avant: Widely reported as a genuine daily joy to own. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Strong Porsche reliability reputation and broad dealer network. On the wallet the two diverge at £108,000 versus £145,000 — a £37,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,100 against £1,500, and warranty cover of 3yr / unlimited mi versus 4yr / 50k mi.