Porsche 911 trim comparison
2026 Porsche 911 Targa 4S vs Carrera GTS
The 911 Targa 4S starts at $180,200 while the Carrera GTS is $181,000. That $800 gap buys 5 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The Carrera GTS gets the 3.6L flat 6 hybrid Turbo and RWD, so the $800 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
This is a real hardware fork, not just a trim-label shuffle. The Targa 4S is enough if the 3.0L flat 6 Turbo with AWD already fits your routine; the Carrera GTS only earns the jump when the 3.6L flat 6 hybrid Turbo and RWD setup is the point of the upgrade.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $14/month more over 60 months, or roughly $840 extra all-in once interest is included. 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 Targa 4S and Carrera 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 $800 for 4 measurable differences, which works out to about $200 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. 5 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Targa 4S | Carrera GTS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $180,200 | $181,000 |
| 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 | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 17 | 17 |
| Highway MPG | 24 | 24 |
| Combined MPG | 20 | 20 |
| Fuel Tank | 16.6 gal | 16.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,900/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,869 lbs | 3,536 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 96.5" | 96.5" |
| Length | 178.8" | 179.3" |
| Width | 72.9" | 72.9" |
| Height | No published data | 51.0" |
| 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 Targa 4S vs Carrera 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 Carrera GTS cost than the Targa 4S?
The Carrera GTS starts at $181,000 compared to $180,200 for the Targa 4S. That is a $800 difference, or approximately $14/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Porsche 911 Targa 4S and Carrera GTS have the same engine?
No. The Targa 4S uses a 3.0L flat 6 Turbo (473 hp), while the Carrera 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 Targa 4S come with RWD?
No. The Targa 4S comes standard with AWD while the Carrera GTS has RWD. 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 Targa 4S and Carrera 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 Carrera GTS worth $800 more than the Targa 4S?
The Carrera GTS changes both the engine and drivetrain for $800 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
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 Carrera GTS Worth $800 More?
Spending $800 more on the 911 Carrera GTS buys the 3.6L flat 6 hybrid Turbo engine (+59 hp) and RWD. These are the kind of differences you notice every time you drive.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine is where these two diverge most: 3.0L flat 6 Turbo in the Targa 4S, 3.6L flat 6 hybrid Turbo in the Carrera GTS. The Carrera GTS drops to RWD from the Targa 4S's AWD. Less traction capability, but potentially better fuel economy.
Bottom Line
The 911 Carrera GTS costs $800 more than the Targa 4S (about $14/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 4 meaningful changes at $200 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 Targa 4S
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Targa 4S best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Carrera GTS when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
As an Amazon Associate, TrimAtlas earns from qualifying purchases.
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.