Let’s face it, decisions can be hard. And when it comes to a decision about a $150,000+ Porsche, you want to make absolutely sure that it’s the right one before you spend your hard earned money. So if you can’t decide between a convertible and a coupe, we would humbly like to offer you the Porsche 911 Targa. The roof comes off, but not the whole way. It’s the best of both worlds in appearance and styling. The lucky folks over at Car and Driver got to take the 2022 Targa 4 GTS out for a spin and have reported back. Let’s take a closer look and see what this gorgeous Porsche has to offer.
Engine’s First: How Does the Targa 4 GTS’s Stack Up?
It doesn’t matter which 911 you choose, you are still going to get a powerfully fun ride. Like the convertible and coupe Carrera GTS models, the Targa 4 GTS also has a twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six under the hood that will unleash a sweet sounding fury when you press down on that gas pedal. The Targa is available with either Porsche’s fantastic PTK automatic transmission, or a seven-speed automatic that allows you to have complete control. And whichever you choose, you will have 473 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque of all-wheel-drive power to get you to where you are going in a hurry. The time to 60 is a blistering 2.9 seconds, and she will take you to 100 in just 7.1 seconds.
Notable Differences: The Targa Offers A More Forgiving Ride
We aren’t afraid to admit that we like 911s in pretty much any way, shape, or form. They are absolutely gorgeous and fun to drive, but they unfortunately don’t always have the most comfortable ride. Here is where the Targa has a leg up over the Carrera GTS competition. The GTS coupe and convertible versions have the stiffer suspension of the 911 Turbo, while the Targa GTS has the softer suspension setup of the Targa 4S. If you have a bad back, but still want to put the top down, the Targa might be for you.
But what about handling? Of course the softer Targa setup does make the cars handle slightly differently—it would be weird if it didn’t—but once again, a Porsche is still a Porsche. The slight addition of some more body roll and understeer is just a slightly difference in seasoning in the grand scheme of all things 911.
Porsche Luxury, 911 Speed and Handling, and the Bottom Line
If you have decided you want the wind in your hair, but not too much wind, the Targa might be for you. And if you’ve decided that a 911 Targa 4 GTS is for you, its time to see what you are going to have to shell out to make her yours. The base price on the 911 Targa 4 GTS is a cool $158,150, which is almost $20,000 more than the more basic 4S model. The model tested by Car and Driver was a little pricier at $173,520, but included some extras like a leather interior, Bose surround sound and $540 “chalk color” seat belts. But after all, it’s a Porsche. You know you are getting quality, and it’s worth paying a premium for it.
For more info and to ogle those seatbelts head on over to Car and Driver and see what you think.