is the 911 gts worth it over the carrera s?
Ah, the classic “sweet spot” question! The Carrera GTS sits right between the S and the GT3, and for many enthusiasts, it’s absolutely worth the upgrade—but it depends on what you value.
Performance upgrade: The GTS gives you 473 hp vs. 443 hp in the S, plus a significant torque bump to 480 lb-ft vs. 390 lb-ft. That’s a difference you really feel, especially the torque, which hits lower in the rev range and makes the GTS feel more alive day-to-day.
Standard equipment: The GTS includes goodies you’d typically pay extra for on the S—like a sport exhaust, PASM Sport suspension (drops the car 10mm), and unique styling touches. On the S, ticking those boxes can close the price gap significantly.
Price reality: The GTS typically commanded a $20K–$25K premium over a comparably equipped S when new. Looking at our current market data, similar low-mileage 2024 automatic coupes are running about $15K–$25K apart. Carrera S examples range from around $159K–$179K, while this GTS at $185,985 sits right in line with expected pricing.
The verdict: If you want the most engaging daily-drivable 911 without stepping up to GT3 levels of compromise (and cost), the GTS is worth it. The extra torque and standard sport equipment give it a more special character. However, the S is still excellent—if budget matters, you won’t be disappointed with a well-optioned S.
Side note: This particular GTS has some nice options—Burmester audio, ventilated seats, and rear axle steering—so you’re getting a lot of car for the money.
Would you like to see some comparable Carrera S listings I’ve found, or is there anything specific about how these two drive differently that you’d like to know?