Porsche 911 trim comparison
2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S vs Targa 4 GTS
The 911 Carrera S starts at $159,600 while the Targa 4 GTS is $186,000. That $26,400 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The Targa 4 GTS gets the 3.6L flat 6 hybrid Turbo and AWD, so the $26,400 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
Choose the Carrera S if the 3.0L flat 6 Turbo with RWD already covers the way you drive. Move to the Targa 4 GTS only when the 3.6L flat 6 hybrid Turbo and AWD combo is the reason you are shopping higher, because that is the real hardware split here.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $465/month more over 60 months, or roughly $27,900 extra all-in once interest is included. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the Carrera S and Targa 4 GTS share the same 8-speed automated manual transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $26,400 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $4,400 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Carrera S | Targa 4 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $159,600 | $186,000 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.0L flat 6 Turbo | 3.6L flat 6 hybrid Turbo |
| Horsepower | 473 hp | 532 hp |
| Torque | 390 lb-ft | 449 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 17 | 17 |
| Highway MPG | 24 | 23 |
| Combined MPG | 20 | 19 |
| Fuel Tank | 16.6 gal | 16.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $3,050/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,609 lbs | 3,869 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 96.5" | 96.5" |
| Length | 178.8" | 179.3" |
| Width | 72.9" | 72.9" |
| Height | 51.3" | 51.3" |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 12yr/unlimited | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S vs Targa 4 GTS Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Porsche 911 lineup, the Porsche brand hub, the Sports Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2025 911 Targa 4 GTS cost than the Carrera S?
The Targa 4 GTS starts at $186,000 compared to $159,600 for the Carrera S. That is a $26,400 difference, or approximately $465/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera S and Targa 4 GTS have the same engine?
No. The Carrera S uses a 3.0L flat 6 Turbo (473 hp, 390 lb-ft), while the Targa 4 GTS has the 3.6L flat 6 hybrid Turbo (532 hp, 449 lb-ft). That is 59 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed automated manual.
Does the 2025 911 Carrera S come with AWD?
No. The Carrera S comes standard with RWD while the Targa 4 GTS has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
What warranty does the 2025 Porsche 911 come with?
All 2025 Porsche 911 trims, including both the Carrera S and Targa 4 GTS, come with Porsche's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2025 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS worth $26,400 more than the Carrera S?
The Targa 4 GTS changes both the engine and drivetrain for $26,400 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2025 Porsche 911 trim gets better fuel economy, the Carrera S or the Targa 4 GTS?
The Carrera S is the more efficient of the two at 20 combined MPG, versus 19 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the 911 Targa 4 GTS Worth $26,400 More?
The 911 Targa 4 GTS costs $26,400 more than the Carrera S. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value the 3.6L flat 6 hybrid Turbo engine (+59 hp) and AWD. Power and comfort matter differently to different buyers. Weigh them against your priorities.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
The Targa 4 GTS gets the 3.6L flat 6 hybrid Turbo, which changes the character of the car. That means 59 more horsepower and 59 more lb-ft of torque. A significant jump that changes the driving experience. The cost of that extra capability is roughly 1 fewer combined MPG. The Targa 4 GTS has AWD while the Carrera S has RWD. This affects traction, weight, and fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The 911 Carrera S gets 1 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $111 per year or $555 over five years of ownership.
Bottom Line
$26,400 more for the 911 Targa 4 GTS gets you 6 real differences. At $465/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Porsche 911 Carrera S
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Carrera S best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Targa 4 GTS when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Porsche or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.