The Barclays Premier League leaders have ambitions to dominate at home and in Europe and some of their free-scoring attacking football this season has drawn comparisons with Barca. But City midfielder Toure, who won the Champions League with the Catalans in 2009, does not think his current club are at the same level yet.
The Ivory Coast international said: "It is a big difference because Barcelona have been a big team for a long time. In Manchester to be like them we have to win some Premier Leagues, some Champions Leagues. They are a top team in the world. We have a long way to go and we have to continue to improve."
He added: "But I think the mentality is fantastic now, we have the winning mentality. The mood is very important. We need to win something this year and we have to have a good mentality. I think the team is improving and everyone is enjoying themselves on the pitch. Everyone is happy. If we continue like that I think this year will be fantastic."
Toure, 28, struck twice as City enhanced their hopes of progressing to the Champions League knockout stages with a 3-0 win at Villarreal on Wednesday. They will now travel to Napoli for their penultimate Group A game in three weeks knowing that another victory will guarantee a place in the last 16.
Should they achieve that, Toure is confident City could enjoy a prolonged run in the competition.
When asked how far he thought they could go, he said: "As far as possible. But it is early to speak like that and we have a lot of respect for the big teams there. We have a lot of respect for Barcelona, Real Madrid, (Manchester) United, Chelsea - they are always in the Champions League. They have had good experiences.
"It is only the first time we have been in the Champions League and the most important thing for us to go as far as possible is we continue to work."
City are back into Premier League action as they travel to promoted QPR on Saturday to face a side who beat Chelsea in their last game at Loftus Road a fortnight ago.
"We have some tough games coming and we have to be ready for them," Toure said. "QPR are doing well at home and we will have to concentrate for the game. It will not be easy. In a small pitch you have to be strong and clever."
Source: PA
Source: PA