Porsche 911 GT3 vs 911 Targa vs Corvette C8: Which Sports Car Should You Rent in Orlando?

Not every great drive needs a V12 supercar. Some of the most rewarding cars to drive are sports cars: lighter, more focused and more connected to the road. The Emiris collection in Orlando includes three very different examples: the Porsche 911 GT3, the Porsche 911 Targa and the Chevrolet Corvette C8.

Here's how they compare, and which one fits your plans.

Quick comparison

• 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 — from $799/day. The purist's choice.
• 2021 Porsche 911 Targa — from $799/day. The open-air classic.
• 2023 Corvette C8 — from $399/day. The mid-engine bargain.

Rates are current at the time of writing; confirm with your concierge. Insurance is required and not included, a refundable security deposit applies, and mileage allowances start at 100 miles per day depending on the vehicle.

Porsche 911 GT3: built for drivers

The GT3 is the 911 at its most focused. The 2019 model uses a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six that revs to 9,000 rpm and produces around 500 horsepower. There are no turbochargers, so the throttle response is instant and the sound builds to a spine-tingling howl at high revs.

What it's like to drive: precise, communicative and alive. The steering tells you exactly what the front tires are doing, and the chassis rewards smooth, accurate driving. It's firmer than a regular 911, so expect to feel the road.

Who it's for: enthusiasts who want one of the best driver's cars Porsche makes; anyone who has always wanted to experience a GT car.

Things to know: its sportier setup means more road noise and a firmer ride. Front ground clearance is low, so take driveways and speed bumps slowly.

Porsche 911 Targa: the open-air 911

The Targa brings back one of the most famous 911 designs: a fixed roll hoop with a roof panel that opens electronically, plus a wraparound rear window. You get much of the open-air feeling of a convertible with the elegant look of a classic 911. The 2021 Targa is all-wheel drive with a twin-turbo flat-six.

What it's like to drive: confident and comfortable. All-wheel drive adds grip in wet weather, the turbocharged engine delivers strong, easy power, and the ride is comfortable enough for longer trips.

Who it's for: couples, scenic drives, sunny days and anyone who wants a Porsche that's easy to live with. It's also a great choice for first-time sports car renters.

Things to know: the roof only opens and closes while the car is stationary. Check the forecast in summer, when afternoon storms are common.

Corvette C8: the mid-engine bargain

The eighth-generation Corvette moved the engine behind the driver for the first time in the car's history, giving it the proportions of an exotic. Its 6.2-liter V8 produces around 490 horsepower in standard form (495 with the performance exhaust), and the coupe's roof panel can be removed and stored in the rear trunk.

What it's like to drive: fast, dramatic and surprisingly comfortable. The V8 has plenty of low-end torque, the dual-clutch gearbox shifts quickly, and the cabin wraps around the driver like a cockpit.

Who it's for: anyone who wants the look and feel of a mid-engine exotic at a fraction of the price; birthdays; first exotic rentals; longer rentals on a budget.

Things to know: with the engine in the middle, luggage space is split between a small front trunk and a rear trunk, and storing the roof panel uses some of the rear space. Read our Corvette rental cost guide.

Head-to-head

Price

The Corvette C8 is by far the best value at $399/day. Both Porsches start at $799/day.

Driving thrill

The GT3 is the most engaging and rewarding to drive. The Corvette is the most dramatic for the money. The Targa is the most relaxed.

Comfort

The Targa wins for everyday comfort. The Corvette is comfortable for a mid-engine car. The GT3 is the firmest.

Open-air driving

The Targa's roof opens electronically. The Corvette's roof panel comes off by hand. The GT3 is a fixed-roof coupe.

Weather

The Targa's all-wheel drive gives it an edge on wet Florida roads. In any car, slow down in heavy rain and standing water.

Practicality

All three seat two. The Targa has small rear seats that work best for bags. The Corvette has front and rear trunks. Luggage space is limited in all three, so pack light or consider an SUV for airport transfers.

Which one should you rent?

• Choose the GT3 if driving is the whole point and you want one of the purest cars in the collection.
• Choose the Targa if you want a beautiful, comfortable Porsche for scenic drives with the roof open.
• Choose the Corvette C8 if you want supercar looks and performance at the best price.

Where to drive them

Try the rolling hills around Clermont for the GT3 or Corvette, and the brick streets of Winter Park or the lakes around Windermere for the Targa. See our scenic drives near Orlando for distances and tips.

How to get the most out of each car

GT3

Spend the first few miles in the normal mode while the tires and brakes warm up, then enjoy the engine's rev range on an open stretch within the speed limit. Use the paddles to hold gears and hear the flat-six build toward its redline. Take driveways and speed bumps slowly; the front splitter sits low.

Targa

Pick a dry, mild morning or evening, stop somewhere safe, and open the roof before you set off. Winter Park's lakes and Windermere's quiet roads are ideal. Keep sunglasses and sunscreen handy, since Florida sun is strong even with the roll hoop overhead.

Corvette C8

Remove the roof panel before your drive and store it in the rear trunk, then plan a route with some open road, like the hills around Clermont. The C8 is comfortable enough for a full day, so it's a great choice for a longer itinerary within your mileage allowance.

A sample sports-car afternoon

1. Pick up your car at your hotel and get comfortable with the controls.
2. Drive west toward Clermont for rolling hills and lakes.
3. Stop at the Citrus Tower area for views and photos.
4. Return via Windermere for a sunset loop around the Butler Chain of Lakes.
5. Finish with dinner in Dr. Phillips.

A route like this usually covers around 60–80 miles, depending on your starting point.

What you need to rent

• Every driver 21 or older
• A valid driver's license
• Insurance covering the vehicle (full coverage preferred; our concierge will try to help if you need a policy)
• A refundable security deposit
• A signed rental agreement with your mileage allowance

Full details: rental requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What's the cheapest sports car to rent at Emiris? The Corvette C8, from $399 per day.

Is the Porsche 911 GT3 manual or automatic? Our 2019 GT3 has an automatic (PDK dual-clutch) transmission.

Which car is best for a first-time sports car renter? The Porsche 911 Targa, thanks to its comfortable ride and all-wheel drive.

Can I take the roof off the Corvette? Yes. The C8 coupe's roof panel is removable and stores in the rear trunk.

Can these cars be delivered to the airport? Yes, we deliver to Orlando International Airport (MCO), hotels and homes across Orlando.

Book your sports car

Browse the collection or contact our concierge. Call or text (407) 476-6159, or message us on WhatsApp.