Porsche 911 Targa review - why it's the best open-top 911 - Performance and 0-60 time

Performance across the Targa range is strong, although not as extreme as the likes of a GT3 or Turbo. The base model Targa 4 generates 345bhp and 287 lb ft of torque from its 3.4-litre engine, which translates to a 0-62mph time of 5.2 seconds.

Move up to a Targa 4S and you get 394bhp and 324 lb ft from the bigger 3.8-litre engine. This means the 0-62mph time drops to 4.8 seconds, while top speed rises to 183mph. 

The Targa 4 GTS takes this even further, with its Powerkit engine producing 424bhp and the same 324 lb ft of torque. 0-62mph decreases by 0.1sec, while the top speed increases to 188mph.

In the world of huge horsepower, the Targa might seem a little underpowered for a £80k+ car, but behind the wheel it feels anything but. As is always the way, it's how the Porsche delivers its performance that justifies the price tag.

The engine is a peach, while the gearbox, noise and open top driving experience deliver performance that is as interactive as it is visceral.

Performance also feels perfectly suited to the car itself. The Targa is more of a GT car than perhaps any other car in the 911 range, so it doesn't require the absolutely rabid acceleration of the Turbo or Turbo S.

Instead, the flat-six feels strong throughout its rev-range, delivering a post 4000rpm pull that translates to on road performance that is as both smooth yet more than quick enough.