Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
Compare the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is £37,000 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 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 Cayman GT4 RS is priced from £115,000, 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 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 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 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.
On cost of ownership, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is £37,000 cheaper than its rival, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS costs less in annual maintenance (£1,500 versus £1,300), the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £85 for the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS and £70 for the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS.
Driving Character: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
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 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS represents the apex of the 718 platform, transplanting a 493hp naturally aspirated flat-six from the GT3 into a mid-engine chassis. The result is a machine with staggering agility and a turn-in response that makes even the standard GT4 feel soft. The chassis balance is dominated by rear-end grip and sharp, responsive steering that provides constant feedback. It is an extreme instrument, demanding a high level of expertise to truly extract its full potential. The power delivery is frenetic, culminating in a high-revving wail that defines the car's racing-inspired character.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 82 against 96. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: The GTS sweet spot in an open-top Targa body with reassuring AWD grip. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: GT3-derived engine in the lightest, most track-focused Cayman ever. In outright terms it is 473 hp against 493 — a 20 hp gap — and the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
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.
The interior is a study in weight reduction, featuring CFRP door panels, lightweight door pulls, and carbon bucket seats that lock the driver in place. The presence of the standard roll bar behind the seats signals its intent, creating a sparse, motorsport-focused atmosphere. Sound deadening is intentionally minimal, allowing the mechanical symphony—and the roar of the intake located just behind the driver's head—to flood the cabin. It is not designed for luxury or comfort, but rather as an extension of the driving experience, prioritising tactical feedback and material efficiency above all else.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 84 against 50. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Comfortable, well-finished cabin with genuine everyday usability. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Stripped-back, motorsport-focused cockpit.
Daily Usability: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
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.
Daily utility is significantly compromised by the track-oriented nature of the GT4 RS. The suspension is exceptionally firm, making it punishing on all but the smoothest road surfaces, and the lack of sound insulation makes it unsuitable for long, tedious commutes. Despite this, the front and rear trunks remain available for storage, and the inclusion of a front-axle lift system helps navigate urban obstacles. While it is technically possible to drive to the track, the RS experience is best reserved for spirited road use or dedicated circuit days rather than routine errands.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 80 against 35. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Genuinely usable daily 911 with the added versatility of an open roof. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Usable but clearly built for track days over commuting. that means 132 litres of boot space against 125, and everyday running costs that favour the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS at the pumps.
Ownership: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
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.
Owning a 718 Cayman GT4 RS is a high-stakes proposition, with high purchase prices and significant service costs reflecting its status as a low-volume, specialised performance vehicle. Values have appreciated rapidly, as the model occupies a unique space in the modern Porsche lineup. Owners benefit from the comprehensive Porsche Motorsport support network, which is essential for managing RS-specific components that are more expensive and harder to source than standard parts. It is a collector's dream, provided the owner acknowledges the substantial overheads and the demanding nature of maintaining a high-performance track machine.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 80 against 78. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Strong Porsche reliability reputation and broad dealer network. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Mechanically simple, Porsche-grade reliability. On the wallet the two diverge at £145,000 versus £115,000 — a £30,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,500 against £1,300.