Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs BMW M3 Touring
Compare the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs BMW M3 Touring. The BMW M3 Touring is £60,000 cheaper. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is 0.3s quicker to 60mph. The BMW M3 Touring is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
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 BMW M3 Touring is priced from £85,000, powered by a 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6, producing 503 hp, with 650 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.6s, a top speed of 180 mph, sent to the road via all-wheel drive.
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. The BMW M3 Touring offers a 500-litre boot, folding rear seats, runs on petrol, returns around 26 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the BMW M3 Touring is £60,000 cheaper than its rival, the BMW M3 Touring costs less in annual maintenance (£1,500 versus £1,200), a full tank costs around £85 for the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS and £75 for the BMW M3 Touring.
Driving Character: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs BMW M3 Touring
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.
The M3 Touring masterfully combines S58-powered fury with practical estate packaging. Its AWD system, featuring a dedicated 2WD mode, allows it to put down its immense 650Nm of torque with relentless efficiency in any weather. Despite weighing over 4,000 lbs, the chassis control is immense, with adaptive damping that keeps body roll impressively contained. The steering is quick and accurate, though it prioritises stability at high speeds over the fine-grained feedback of lighter machines. It is arguably the most versatile performance vehicle in the current market, bridging the gap between a family hauler and a track-ready super-saloon.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 82 against 82. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: The GTS sweet spot in an open-top Targa body with reassuring AWD grip. For the BMW M3 Touring: The M3's engagement in a genuinely practical estate body. In outright terms it is 473 hp against 503 — a 30 hp gap — and the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS reaches 60 mph 0.3s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs BMW M3 Touring
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.
Inside, the cabin is dominated by a modern, tech-rich dashboard that includes the impressive curved display interface. While the interior is packed with high-end carbon fibre and robust leather, some buttons and plastics feel inherited from the standard 3-Series, which may underwhelm at this price point. The M-specific seats are supportive and offer excellent adjustability for long journeys. Space is the defining trait, with a generous rear seat providing genuine comfort for adults, complemented by a versatile, user-friendly load area that expands into a cavernous 1,510 litres with the seats folded down.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 84 against 82. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Comfortable, well-finished cabin with genuine everyday usability. For the BMW M3 Touring: Spacious, well-finished cabin with proper 4-adult seating.
Daily Usability: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs BMW M3 Touring
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.
This is a remarkably practical performance car, boasting a 500-litre boot that easily swallows bulky cargo, making the school run or holiday trips effortless. The inclusion of M xDrive provides the confidence to use the car year-round, regardless of road conditions. In Comfort mode, the suspension is compliant enough to mask its heavy weight, although the low-profile tyres can still transmit significant impact shocks from sharp potholes. Parking requires extra care due to the extended estate body, but the rear-view cameras and sensors mitigate the challenges of manoeuvring such a long, wide vehicle in confined spaces.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the BMW M3 Touring takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 80 against 90. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Genuinely usable daily 911 with the added versatility of an open roof. For the BMW M3 Touring: Genuinely does everything - family estate space with supercar-baiting pace. that means 132 litres of boot space against 500, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS.
Ownership: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs BMW M3 Touring
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.
As the first factory-produced M3 estate, this model enjoys exceptionally strong residual values and high demand from enthusiasts. The service network is extensive, and standard BMW warranty terms provide peace of mind for the first three years. Maintenance costs are higher than standard models, especially when considering the rapid wear on high-performance tyres and the complex braking systems. However, the prestige and versatility of the package make these costs easier to justify. It is a car that thrives on daily use, provided the owner is prepared for the inevitable premium associated with running an elite performance machine.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 80 against 76. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Strong Porsche reliability reputation and broad dealer network. For the BMW M3 Touring: Backed by strong BMW ownership/reliability reputation. On the wallet the two diverge at £145,000 versus £85,000 — a £60,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,500 against £1,200, and warranty cover of 4yr / 50k mi versus 3yr / unlimited mi.