Ferrari 458 Italia vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
Compare the Ferrari 458 Italia vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is £50,000 cheaper. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is 0.0s quicker to 60mph. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Ferrari 458 Italia is priced from £145,000, powered by a 4.5L V8, producing 562 hp, with 540 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.3s, a top speed of 202 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 Ferrari 458 Italia offers a 230-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 20 mpg, is covered by a 2yr / 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 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is £50,000 cheaper than its rival, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS costs less in annual maintenance (£3,000 versus £1,500), the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £85 for the Ferrari 458 Italia and £85 for the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS.
Driving Character: Ferrari 458 Italia vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
The 458 Italia remains the benchmark for naturally aspirated V8 performance, featuring a 4.5L engine that screams to a 9,000rpm redline. The throttle response is telepathic, offering a level of connection that modern turbocharged equivalents often struggle to replicate. Its chassis balance is exceptional, communicating road surface textures with crystal clarity through the steering rack. While the power delivery is linear and requires the driver to chase the high end of the rev range, the rewards are immense. It is a pure, analogue-feeling driving experience that remains as engaging today as it was at launch.
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 Ferrari 458 Italia takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 90 against 82. Characteristic of the Ferrari 458 Italia: High-revving naturally-aspirated V8 widely considered a modern Ferrari high point. 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 562 hp against 473 — a 89 hp gap — and the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS reaches 60 mph 0.0s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Ferrari 458 Italia vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
Inside, the cockpit focuses on a clean, functional design that places the driver at the heart of the experience. The steering wheel, featuring integrated controls, was a revolutionary touch that has since become a Ferrari signature. While the interior materials are of a high quality, the cabin clearly shows its age compared to the digital-heavy layouts of contemporary models. Visibility is a notable highlight for the segment, with a generous glasshouse that aids spatial awareness. It is a straightforward, no-nonsense interior that prioritises road-holding focus over the latest in screen-based distractions.
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, 75 against 84. Characteristic of the Ferrari 458 Italia: Driver-focused cabin with excellent build quality for its era. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Comfortable, well-finished cabin with genuine everyday usability.
Daily Usability: Ferrari 458 Italia vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
With its relatively compact footprint, the 458 Italia is far more manageable on public roads than one might expect for a mid-engine supercar. The 230L boot space is surprisingly useful, providing enough room for light luggage for two. In city environments, it feels more agile than its successors, and the excellent outward visibility makes parking and tight manoeuvres less of a chore. However, because of the complex nature of the engine and its advanced systems, the owner must strictly adhere to the scheduled maintenance programme to ensure that the car remains reliable.
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, 55 against 80. Characteristic of the Ferrari 458 Italia: Usable as an occasional daily supercar. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Genuinely usable daily 911 with the added versatility of an open roof. that means 230 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: Ferrari 458 Italia vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
Owning a 458 Italia now sits firmly in the realm of collector-grade vehicle management. As one of the last naturally aspirated mid-engine Ferraris, its value has steadily strengthened as enthusiasts seek out a more visceral, analogue experience. While the official warranty is limited by the car's age, the robust demand for the model has led to a thriving network of independent specialists capable of handling servicing. Owners should prepare for significant annual maintenance costs, but the trade-off is the possession of an iconic machine that continues to define the Ferrari V8 lineage.
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, 75 against 80. Characteristic of the Ferrari 458 Italia: Widely regarded as a dependable, now-classic naturally-aspirated Ferrari. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Strong Porsche reliability reputation and broad dealer network. On the wallet the two diverge at £145,000 versus £145,000 — a £0 difference, with annual maintenance of £3,000 against £1,500, and warranty cover of 2yr / unlimited mi versus 4yr / 50k mi.