McLaren 570S vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
Compare the McLaren 570S vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is £0 cheaper. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is 0.1s quicker to 60mph. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The McLaren 570S is priced from £95,000, powered by a 3.8L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 562 hp, with 600 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.2 s, a top speed of 204 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 McLaren 570S offers a 150-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 24 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 £0 cheaper than its rival, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS costs less in annual maintenance (£2,800 versus £1,500), the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is the more fuel-efficient choice, the McLaren 570S has 72 L fuel tank, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS has 63 L fuel tank.
Driving Character: McLaren 570S vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
The McLaren 570S stands as the quintessential entry-level supercar, utilising a lightweight carbon fibre monocoque that provides unmatched structural rigidity. Its 3.8L twin-turbo V8 delivers 562 hp, propelling the car to 60 mph in a mere 3.1 seconds. The hydraulic-assisted steering is widely regarded as the benchmark for the segment, offering granular detail that feels missing in its competitors. While the engine displays noticeable turbo lag at lower rpm, the chassis balance is sublime, providing a sense of fluidity and poise that invites the driver to push harder through every apex with complete confidence.
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 McLaren 570S — Most accessible McLaren; V8 with 562hp tuned for enjoyment over extremes; 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 McLaren 570S: Balance and agility of McLaren platform available at a lower price tier. 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 562 hp against 534 — a 28 hp gap — and the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: McLaren 570S vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
The cabin focuses on a minimalist, driver-centric design that eschews excessive ornamentation in favour of functional elegance. High-grade leather and Alcantara dress the interior, creating a cabin that feels both sophisticated and purposeful. The vertical infotainment screen is undeniably dated compared to modern rivals and can be unresponsive, which remains the system's primary weakness. Visibility is genuinely impressive, thanks to the thin A-pillars and the unique dihedral door design, which not only eases ingress but also makes the car feel like a significant event every time the driver settles into the cockpit.
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 McLaren 570S — Dihedral doors; McLaren cockpit experience at more attainable price; the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS — Luxury ergonomics; tech-focused cabin environment balances modern comfort with driver engagement features. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Sports Series interior practical by McLaren standards; reasonable storage. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: High-quality leather and trim; interior refinement provides a quiet environment when closed.
Daily Usability: McLaren 570S vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
For a mid-engined supercar, the 570S is remarkably accommodating in day-to-day scenarios. The suspension setup is soft enough to handle urban speed bumps and undulating B-roads without breaking the driver’s spine, cementing its status as the most road-biased model in the McLaren stable. With a usable 150-litre rear boot and an additional front storage area, it manages supermarket runs and light luggage far better than its rivals. However, the low ride height makes parking kerbs a genuine hazard, necessitating the optional nose lift system to protect the front splitter from unnecessary and expensive damage.
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 McLaren 570S — 150L boot and front storage make the 570S usable for solo touring; 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 McLaren 570S: Comfort setting genuinely comfortable on motorway journeys. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: 110 mm clearance ensures daily usability; ride quality absorbs common road imperfections well. that means 150 litres of boot space against 135, and everyday running costs that favour the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS at the pumps.
Ownership: McLaren 570S vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
As the gateway to the McLaren family, the 570S represents a balanced proposition for the aspiring supercar owner. Residuals have remained robust across the Sports Series, helped by a reputation for being the most usable model in the range. Maintenance is a significant consideration, with annual servicing costing around £2,800, and owners must be prepared for the specific costs associated with DCT transmission care. The McLaren network is comprehensive and highly professional, ensuring that support is readily available, though the high performance of the twin-turbo V8 means regular, proactive inspection is non-negotiable for long-term health.
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 McLaren 570S — Entry point to McLaren ownership; strong performance-per-pound value; the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS — Reliable Porsche drivetrain; servicing is supported by a comprehensive dealer network infrastructure. Characteristic of the McLaren 570S: Wide used market availability; relatively accessible pricing tier. 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 £95,000 versus £145,000 — a £50,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £2,800 against £1,500.