Porsche 911 trim comparison
2026 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S vs Targa 4 GTS
The 911 Carrera 4S starts at $164,500 while the Targa 4 GTS is $203,300. That $38,800 gap buys 6 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 3.0L flat 6 Turbo to 3.6L flat 6 hybrid Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
Start with the Carrera 4S if the 3.0L flat 6 Turbo already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the Targa 4 GTS only when the 3.6L flat 6 hybrid Turbo powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $683/month more over 60 months, or roughly $40,980 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 4S and Targa 4 GTS share the same 8-speed automated manual transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $38,800 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $7,760 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. 6 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Carrera 4S | Targa 4 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $164,500 | $203,300 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.0L flat 6 Turbo | 3.6L flat 6 hybrid Turbo |
| Horsepower | 473 hp | 532 hp |
| Torque | No published data | 449 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | AWD | 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) | $2,900/yr | $3,050/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,523 lbs | 3,869 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 96.5" | 96.5" |
| Length | 178.8" | 179.3" |
| Width | 72.9" | 72.9" |
| Height | No published data | 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.
2026 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 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 2026 911 Targa 4 GTS cost than the Carrera 4S?
The Targa 4 GTS starts at $203,300 compared to $164,500 for the Carrera 4S. That is a $38,800 difference, or approximately $683/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S and Targa 4 GTS have the same engine?
No. The Carrera 4S uses a 3.0L flat 6 Turbo (473 hp), 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.
Do the 2026 911 Carrera 4S and Targa 4 GTS have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
What warranty does the 2026 Porsche 911 come with?
All 2026 Porsche 911 trims, including both the Carrera 4S 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 2026 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS worth $38,800 more than the Carrera 4S?
The $38,800 buys the 3.6L flat 6 hybrid Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the Carrera 4S does the same job for less.
Which 2026 Porsche 911 trim gets better fuel economy, the Carrera 4S or the Targa 4 GTS?
The Carrera 4S 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 $38,800 More?
The 911 Targa 4 GTS costs $38,800 more than the Carrera 4S. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value the 3.6L flat 6 hybrid Turbo engine (+59 hp). 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. The cost of that extra capability is roughly 1 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The 911 Carrera 4S 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
$38,800 more for the 911 Targa 4 GTS gets you 5 real differences. At $683/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 4S
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Carrera 4S 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 2026 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 2026-07-11. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.