Porsche 911 trim comparison
2026 Porsche 911 Carrera S vs Targa 4 GTS
The 911 Carrera S starts at $170,100 while the Targa 4 GTS is $203,300. That $33,200 gap buys 6 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 $33,200 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
This is a real hardware fork, not just a trim-label shuffle. The Carrera S is enough if the 3.0L flat 6 Turbo with RWD already fits your routine; the Targa 4 GTS only earns the jump when the 3.6L flat 6 hybrid Turbo and AWD setup is the point of the upgrade.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the Carrera S to the Targa 4 GTS is about $585/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $35,100 more by the time interest is counted. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
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
The Carrera S and Targa 4 GTS are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 8-speed automated manual transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $33,200 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $6,640 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, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Carrera S | Targa 4 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $170,100 | $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 | 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.
2026 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 2026 911 Targa 4 GTS cost than the Carrera S?
The Targa 4 GTS starts at $203,300 compared to $170,100 for the Carrera S. That is a $33,200 difference, or approximately $585/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 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), 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 2026 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 2026 Porsche 911 come with?
All 2026 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 2026 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS worth $33,200 more than the Carrera S?
The Targa 4 GTS changes both the engine and drivetrain for $33,200 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2026 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.
What $33,200 Gets You
At $33,200 more, the 911 Targa 4 GTS adds the 3.6L flat 6 hybrid Turbo engine (+59 hp) and AWD. This is a situational call. If those features are on your must-have list, the upgrade makes sense. If not, the Carrera S delivers the same core 911 experience for less.
Carrera S vs. Targa 4 GTS: Day-to-Day
Engine is where these two diverge most: 3.0L flat 6 Turbo in the Carrera S, 3.6L flat 6 hybrid Turbo in the Targa 4 GTS. In return, expect about 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.
Summary
The 911 Targa 4 GTS costs $33,200 more than the Carrera S (about $585/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 5 meaningful changes at $6,640 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
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 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.