aab

Would love to hear thoughts on whether the 992 targa 4S is “better” than the targa 4.

I like the smaller wheels 19/20 in the targa as opposed to the 20/21 in targa 4S mainly for the comfort. Do the 19/20 really make a difference in comfort?

I realize the horsepower in the Targa 4 is significantly less and the brakes in the 4S are bigger.

I’ve driven the base Carrera 992 with PDK and it seemed quite adequate from a power point of view. It had the 20/21 wheels. While it wasn’t generally harsh you could certainly feel the size on choppy roads.

If anyone has experience with the Targa 4 v 4S would love to hear your thoughts or opinions. While it would be nice to save money, that is not the primary concern. But being an “older” gentleman having some comfort is very important. I realize this is a sports car and am willing to live with some discomfort as this will not be my daily driver but just a fun car to remind me of what life should be!

Also, am I missing any other significant differences between the two cars (other than bragging rights)?

user 36985478

I went through a few new 911's in 2023.... one had the 19/20 and the other two had 20/21 rims.

You can definitely feel the difference with more sidewall. However, the car was also a tad more muted from a steering response perspective. I think if you don't get the 10mm lower suspension, you will be fine with 20/21 rims. One car I had w/the 10mm lower suspension + 20/21 was just to rough and sold it after four months.

Without a doubt... the 20/21 look a ton better and fill the wheel wells better.

dudeoverthere

i run 19/20 winters on my 4S. honestly don't notice a difference in harshness compared to me. i think the "base" cars are perfectly adequate for the street.

Richard_Wallace

I am on my 3rd 992 (two targas) - I only opt for the Targa 4S so I can get a manual transmission. The targa is an interesting discussion as it is more a GT / touring porsche (extra weight, ride height, etc.) I think the Targa 4 or 4S is the sweet spot. As the Targa GTS, you miss out on the upgraded suspension of the other GTS models (you do get more HP) but in a touring/GT type car not sure the extra HP is much benefit, and with going with a manual, speed is not what you are after as a PDK delivers much more performance.

The Targa 4 is actually one of the lowest produced variants (if not the lowest) - so having a 4 is a pretty rare thing. Doesn't mean more collectable, but certainly rare. If I could get in a manual, I would opt for the 4 rather than the 4S frankly.

slc4s

I own a Targa4S and had a quick drive in a 4 prior to buying so I have an educated opinion but can't say an expert opinion. Couple of points:

There's only one suspension option on the 4s so you can't even spec the lower/harsher suspension. I think you'll find even with the bigger wheels that the targa drives about as cushy as you can expect of a sports car. For example I had an F80 BMW M3 before this and the targa drives WAY less harsh than that car.

Visually the smaller brakes on the Targa 4 bother me. I actually don't know how much performance advantage there is in braking from 4 to 4S but the visuals make a difference for sure

Horsepower wise the targa isn't the lightest of the 911s so every bit of power does help. The targa 4 would be fun and all but I don't think you'll find with the 4s that you would think "I'd be fine with less power". The difference between 4 and 4S was definitely noticeable.

akaringo

I would have gone with the Targa 4 but I wanted a manual so it had to be 4S.

Jeff Whitten

Targa 4 S is very comfortable ride with 20/21. Comfort TPMS tire settings at 30/32 tire pressure is wonderful.

jmrichards

A vote for Targa 4S here. With the added weight of the Targa, the extra power is appreciated. The small bump in power to the GTS is meaningless, and you are stuck with many options you may not want (see center lock wheels).

drcollie

Targa GTS for resale.....

Keadog

This pretty well sums it up for me. I had a 991.2 C4 cab that I was perfectly happy with, power wise and would have been fine with a Targa 4 except for the no MT part.
I was only offered a 4S this time around but had I been given the choice of S or GTS, I would have taken the S anyhow, mainly because I have no interest in dealing with center lock wheels. And don't need the extra power.
YMMV.

Staffie Guy

I think less power can be more fun in a manual as you can rev it out more-not sure about less power in a PDK being more fun.

Jrezaf

If only you could option a GTS without center lock wheels...

Biased here, as I've ordered a manual Targa GTS 😉. I will admit that the interior options on the non-GTS Targas are better, though.