Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs Porsche 911 GT3 Touring
Compare the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs Porsche 911 GT3 Touring. The Porsche 911 GT3 Touring is £2,000 cheaper. The Porsche 911 GT3 Touring 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 911 GT3 Touring is priced from £165,000, powered by a 4.0L Flat-6, producing 502 hp, with 347 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.2s, a top speed of 197 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 911 GT3 Touring offers a 132-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 911 GT3 Touring is £2,000 cheaper than its rival, both require around £1,500 per year in maintenance, 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 £85 for the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring.
Driving Character: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs Porsche 911 GT3 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 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring is a masterclass in analogue engagement, defined by its naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six engine. The delivery is linear and ferocious, encouraging the driver to explore the upper reaches of the rev range. By pairing this engine with a manual gearbox, Porsche offers a pure, tactile experience that focuses on the harmony between driver and machine. While the removal of the rear wing sacrifices some high-speed downforce, the resulting aesthetic is understated. The chassis remains exceptionally communicative, providing the kind of steering feedback that standard sports cars simply fail to replicate.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 82 against 95. 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 911 GT3 Touring: GT3 engagement without the fixed wing - understated, visceral, motorsport-derived. In outright terms it is 473 hp against 502 — a 29 hp gap — and the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs Porsche 911 GT3 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 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring, the environment is defined by refined functionality. The cabin strips away the race-car excess of the standard GT3, opting for a luxurious full leather finish that elevates the daily driving experience. The instrumentation is clear and driver-focused, with the tech suite providing modern convenience without cluttering the interface. While the rear seats are vestigial and serve primarily as a parcel shelf, the front seating provides excellent support for long-distance driving. It is a space designed for focus, where the quality of the materials mirrors the precision of the mechanics.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 84 against 65. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Comfortable, well-finished cabin with genuine everyday usability. For the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring: More understated, higher-quality cabin trim than the standard GT3.
Daily Usability: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs Porsche 911 GT3 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.
Despite its hardcore engineering, the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring possesses surprising urban manners. The manual gearbox is forgiving in traffic, and the front boot, supplemented by rear storage, offers enough capacity for weekend luggage. While the suspension remains stiff, it is well-damped, handling public roads with composure rather than harshness. The Touring specification is significantly more discreet than its winged counterpart, allowing it to blend into everyday traffic without attracting unwanted attention. It is a rare example of a high-performance vehicle that remains perfectly viable for the occasional shopping run or city commute.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 80 against 60. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Genuinely usable daily 911 with the added versatility of an open roof. For the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring: Usable daily if you accept its intensity, slightly more discreet than the winged GT3.
Ownership: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs Porsche 911 GT3 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.
The Porsche 911 GT3 Touring is a cornerstone of the modern enthusiast market, with its manual transmission driving high demand. Residual values are exceptionally robust, reflecting the car's status as a future classic. Porsche’s comprehensive dealer network ensures that servicing is predictable, though the GT3-spec components, particularly the optional PCCB brakes, carry higher maintenance premiums. With a four-year warranty providing peace of mind, the ownership experience is remarkably stress-free for a car of this calibre. It is a sophisticated investment that rewards its custodian with consistent, high-fidelity thrills over many years.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 80 against 80. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Strong Porsche reliability reputation and broad dealer network. For the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring: Strong Porsche reliability and huge collector demand. On the wallet the two diverge at £145,000 versus £165,000 — a £20,000 difference.