Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
Compare the Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS. The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is £15,000 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 Porsche 718 Spyder RS is priced from £140,000, powered by a 4.0L Flat-6, producing 493 hp, with 450 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.4s, a top speed of 196 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 Porsche 718 Spyder RS offers a 125-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 23 mpg, is covered by a 4yr / 50k 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 718 Spyder RS is £15,000 cheaper than its rival, the Porsche 718 Spyder RS costs less in annual maintenance (£1,400 versus £1,500), the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £70 for the Porsche 718 Spyder RS and £85 for the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS.
Driving Character: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is defined by its mid-engine configuration and the installation of the 4.0L flat-six from the GT3. The chassis is a masterpiece of precision, featuring RS-specific suspension geometry that rewards technical accuracy. The steering feel is sharp and communicative, offering a visceral connection to the tarmac that few modern roadsters can replicate. While it is certainly capable on a track, the engine note and open-top architecture make it a raw experience on winding B-roads. The gearshifts are lightning fast, ensuring the powertrain remains at the heart of the driving sensation throughout every spirited corner.
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 718 Spyder RS takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 94 against 82. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: GT4 RS power in an open-top body - visceral and track-honed. 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 493 hp against 473 — a 20 hp gap — and the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
Inside, the Porsche 718 Spyder RS prioritises weight saving over luxury. The carbon fibre bucket seats provide immense support, while the use of fabric door pulls and minimal sound insulation highlights its motorsport heritage. Build quality is characteristically high, though the cabin environment is undeniably sparse compared to a standard 718. The infotainment system is functional rather than flashy, providing necessary data without distracting from the task of driving. Despite the lack of plush padding, the driver-focused ergonomics remain impeccable, creating a purposeful space that reflects the uncompromising nature of the vehicle’s design philosophy.
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, 52 against 84. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Stripped-back, motorsport-focused cockpit. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Comfortable, well-finished cabin with genuine everyday usability.
Daily Usability: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
Daily utility is clearly secondary to performance in the Porsche 718 Spyder RS, yet it remains surprisingly manageable. The inclusion of a nose lift system as standard allows for navigation over urban speed bumps and steep inclines without damaging the front splitter. Storage is adequate for a weekend getaway, with both a front boot and a rear luggage compartment available for essential items. Ingress and egress require some physical agility due to the low-slung bucket seats and side sills, but for owners who accept the compromise of a manual roof operation, it serves as a usable roadster.
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, 38 against 80. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Usable but clearly built for spirited driving over commuting. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Genuinely usable daily 911 with the added versatility of an open roof. that means 125 litres of boot space against 132, and everyday running costs that favour the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS at the pumps.
Ownership: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
Ownership of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS is defined by its exclusivity and potential for appreciation. As a model with limited production, it sits in a secure position within the enthusiast market. While annual maintenance costs are high, the support provided by the Porsche Motorsport division offers peace of mind for specialized mechanical needs. Insurance premiums will be substantial, and the high purchase price requires careful consideration, but the prospect of long-term residual strength remains strong. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, it represents a peak of internal combustion performance within the Porsche 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, 78 against 80. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Mechanically simple, Porsche-grade reliability. For the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Strong Porsche reliability reputation and broad dealer network. On the wallet the two diverge at £140,000 versus £145,000 — a £5,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,400 against £1,500.