Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs Porsche 911 Turbo S

Compare the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs Porsche 911 Turbo S. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is £30,000 cheaper. The Porsche 911 Turbo S is 0.7s 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 Turbo S is priced from £175,000, powered by a 3.8L Twin-Turbo Flat-6, producing 640 hp, with 800 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 2.6s, a top speed of 205 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 Porsche 911 Turbo S offers a 128-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 20 mpg, is covered by a 4yr / 50k mi warranty.

On cost of ownership, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS is £30,000 cheaper than its rival, the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS costs less in annual maintenance (£1,500 versus £1,800), 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 £90 for the Porsche 911 Turbo S.

Driving Character: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs Porsche 911 Turbo S

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 Turbo S utilises a sophisticated AWD system with active torque vectoring that provides staggering, all-weather performance. It feels deceptively rapid, with a chassis control system that masks its immense power through cornering, yet it ultimately insulates the driver more than the GT-spec siblings, prioritizing crushing point-to-point speed over nuanced steering feel.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 Turbo S takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 82 against 88. 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 Turbo S: Immense, effortless all-wheel-drive pace with real depth of ability. In outright terms it is 473 hp against 640 — a 167 hp gap — and the Porsche 911 Turbo S reaches 60 mph 0.7s sooner.

Interior & Cabin: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs Porsche 911 Turbo S

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 cabin is remarkably refined for such a potent machine, making it a genuinely usable daily GT car. It features the signature Sport Chrono dial and luxury seating, with all technology packages seamlessly integrated. While the material quality is high, it lacks the bespoke flair or artisanal material choices found in certain Italian rivals at this price point.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 84 against 84. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Comfortable, well-finished cabin with genuine everyday usability. For the Porsche 911 Turbo S: Supportive, comfortable seats and modern, user-friendly cabin.

Daily Usability: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs Porsche 911 Turbo S

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.

As the most practical 911 variant, the Turbo S offers genuine all-season confidence thanks to its AWD architecture. Its clever combination of a front boot and rear storage allows for meaningful luggage space, though the expansive body width can create significant challenges in tight urban environments. Furthermore, its sheer performance demands regular attention to tyre wear.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 Turbo S 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 Porsche 911 Turbo S: The most daily-usable supercar on sale — comfortable, quiet, easy to place. that means 132 litres of boot space against 128, and everyday running costs that favour the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS at the pumps.

Ownership: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS vs Porsche 911 Turbo S

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.

Maintaining a stellar reputation for reliability, this model remains a benchmark for high-performance usability. It commands premium residuals in the used market, consistently holding its value well. However, prospective owners must account for high annual maintenance costs, with the complex PDK transmission and AWD system adding significant weight to long-term service intervals compared to simpler sports cars.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 911 Turbo S takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 80 against 88. Characteristic of the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: Strong Porsche reliability reputation and broad dealer network. For the Porsche 911 Turbo S: Exceptionally reliable for a car with supercar performance. On the wallet the two diverge at £145,000 versus £175,000 — a £30,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,500 against £1,800.

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