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Choose the Carrera 4S if you want a fixed-roof coupe and a lower launch price; choose the Targa 4S if you want an opening roof and standard rear-axle steering. Their published all-wheel-drive descriptions are alike: both use Porsche Traction Management (PTM), which is rear-biased by default and can send more torque to the front when needed. Porsche announced the cars on July 2, 2025, but identified them as 2026 model-year variants for the U.S. market. “2025” is the announcement year, not their U.S. model year.
How the Carrera 4S and Targa 4S compare
| Decision point | 911 Carrera 4S coupe | 911 Targa 4S |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder boxer, eight-speed PDK and PTM all-wheel drive | Same published engine, transmission and PTM all-wheel drive |
| U.S. output | 473 hp and 390 lb-ft | 473 hp and 390 lb-ft |
| Roof and body | Fixed-roof coupe | Power-operated Targa roof; Porsche says it opens in 19 seconds |
| Rear-axle steering | Optional | Standard |
| Rear seats | Two-seat layout standard; rear seats available at no extra cost | Standard |
| Published U.S. performance figures | 0–60 mph in 3.1 seconds with Launch Control and optional Sport Chrono; 191 mph top track speed | No corresponding Targa 4S figures stated in Porsche’s cited U.S. launch release |
| U.S. launch MSRP | $154,200 | $169,100 |
Specifications and launch prices are from Porsche’s July 2, 2025 U.S. announcement. The performance numbers are manufacturer figures, not independent test results. Porsche Newsroom USA
Is one AWD system better?
The published information does not establish an AWD traction winner. Both cars use PTM, with torque biased rearward by default and more sent to the front axle when required. Porsche also describes a water-cooled front differential with an electromechanically controlled clutch. That shared system is a reason to choose between these cars by body style and equipment rather than assuming one has superior all-wheel-drive capability.
Both pair AWD with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six and eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch PDK. Porsche’s global release gives the engine as 353 kW / 480 PS; its U.S. release specifies 473 hp / 353 kW and 390 lb-ft. PS and U.S. horsepower are different unit conventions, so the regional figures should not be treated as contradictory. Porsche Newsroom · Porsche Newsroom USA
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What the Targa adds—and what the coupe keeps
Targa 4S: an opening roof and standard rear steering
The Targa’s power-operated roof is its defining distinction. Porsche describes the glass rear window moving back as the roof section folds away; the mechanism opens in 19 seconds. Rear-axle steering is standard. Porsche says this system is intended to improve agility at low speeds and stability at high speeds; that is the manufacturer’s stated benefit, not a comparative road-test result.
The Targa has rear seats as standard. Porsche positions its body as combining open-top enjoyment with coupe-like year-round comfort, a characterization to understand as the maker’s description rather than a measured comparison of cabin refinement.
Carrera 4S coupe: fixed roof and steering as an option
The coupe has a fixed roof and costs less at the published U.S. launch MSRP. Rear-axle steering is optional rather than standard. Its standard layout has two seats, but Porsche lists rear seats as configurable at no additional cost.
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Performance: what Porsche has—and has not—published
For the Carrera 4S coupe, Porsche’s U.S. launch release states 0–60 mph in 3.1 seconds with Launch Control and the optional Sport Chrono Package, plus a 191 mph top track speed. Those are manufacturer claims with the stated launch-control and equipment condition for acceleration.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Porsche’s cited U.S. release does not give matching acceleration or top-speed figures for the Targa 4S, so the available numbers cannot establish which body style is faster. The global release lists the coupe at 0–100 km/h in 3.3 seconds with Sport Chrono and a maximum speed of 308 km/h; those are global-market figures and should not be substituted for a U.S. Targa comparison. Porsche Newsroom, global release · Porsche Newsroom USA
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Shared standard equipment
Porsche’s launch materials list the following equipment for the two variants:
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- Die-cast metal body with plastic parts
- Opening doors and engine compartment
- Detailed chassis
- Package Dimensions: 10.6 L x 23.5 H x 11.5 W (centimeters)
- Staggered 20- and 21-inch Carrera S wheels
- Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus
- Sport exhaust
- 408 mm front and 380 mm rear brake discs
- Matrix Design LED headlights
- Wireless smartphone charging
The Targa additionally includes rear-axle steering as standard, while it is optional on the coupe. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes and PASM Sport Suspension are listed as optional. Equipment and configurations can vary by market; consult Porsche’s local configurator for a specific build.
U.S. launch prices and the model-year distinction
Porsche Cars North America announced U.S. launch MSRPs of $154,200 for the Carrera 4S and $169,100 for the Targa 4S on July 2, 2025. The stated $14,900 difference is based on those launch MSRPs. Neither figure includes the $2,250 delivery, processing and handling charge, taxes, title, registration, options, dealer charges or possible tariffs. Porsche said U.S. deliveries were expected to begin in Q4 2025. These are historical launch prices, not current dealer quotes or transaction prices. Porsche’s U.S. announcement and pricing
The announcement came in 2025, while Porsche explicitly designated the variants as 2026 model-year vehicles for the United States. That distinction explains why a comparison using “2025” in its title may concern cars sold there as 2026 models.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose the Carrera 4S coupe if you prefer a fixed roof, want the lower published launch MSRP, or want rear seats to remain optional rather than standard.
- Choose the Targa 4S if an opening roof is central to your choice or you want rear-axle steering included as standard.
- Do not choose based on a claimed AWD or acceleration advantage: Porsche describes the same PTM concept for both, and its cited U.S. launch materials do not provide matched Targa performance figures.
The launch sources do not settle current dealer pricing or inventory, or provide a controlled side-by-side comparison of ride, cabin noise, roof-up refinement, luggage use or real-world fuel economy. Those questions require evidence beyond the published launch specifications.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
