Page 128 - Wayne Carini's Guide to Affordable Classics

Another big difference was increased reliability and enhanced build quality. The F355 is famously expensive to own, with weak points including a self-destructing exhaust system, dodgy electronics, and weak cylinder head components. By starting from a clean slate, Ferrari manufactured a much better and more reliable car, particularly if one chooses the six-speed manual transmission over the more complicated paddle-shifted F1 unit. By some accounts, ownership costs with a 360 are half what they were for an F355.
ABOVE: The most desirable gearbox is the traditional manual version with its iconic gated shifter, a Ferrari hallmark that is a joy to use. RIGHT (UPPER): Ferrari strengthened the sills and floorpan in the Spider to create a light but strong platform.
RIGHT (LOWER): Inspired by the 360 Modena Challenge Series, the 360 Challenge Stradale is a racing car disguised in street clothes. With an additional 25 horsepower, reduced weight and numerous performance tweaks, the Challenge Stradale is the most collectible 360 variant produced.
126Wayne CariniAffordable Classics