In a recent episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, the Ferrari F355 F1 Berlinetta 1997 from Maranello faced off against the Chevrolet Corvette C3 1981 from Bowling Green under the spotlights of a California hangar. Both cars are black and share the same color, but they differ significantly in era, technology, price, and philosophy. Jay Leno was tasked with choosing between the two, according to AutoEvolution. The Ferrari F355 F1 Berlinetta features an electro-hydraulic F1 transmission inspired by Formula 1, with paddles behind the steering wheel. It is based on a six-speed manual transmission with a single-plate clutch, controlled by a computer and high-pressure hydraulic system. The 3.5-liter V8 with five valves per cylinder produces 380 hp and 363 Nm of torque, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 97 km/h in 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 295 km/h. The F355 F1 was produced in 11,273 units, with 4,871 Berlinetta models and only 1,042 equipped with the F1 transmission. This configuration is sought after by collectors but comes with heavy maintenance, including the need to remove the engine cradle every three to five years. A Ferrari 355 F1 originally priced around 140,000 euros can now exceed 260,000 euros, while F1 versions are more accessible at around 105,000 euros on the American market. The Corvette C3 1981, in contrast, offers a single L81 5.7-liter small-block engine producing 190 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 97 km/h in 8.4 seconds. To compensate for its lower power, engineers used lightweight materials such as fiberglass, aluminum, plastic, and magnesium, reducing the car's weight to around 1,500 kg. The Corvette was priced at $16,258 in 1981 and is now valued at around 56,000 euros, with a good example selling for approximately 23,000 euros. The Corvette's maintenance costs are significantly lower, with parts like a water pump costing about 75 euros. Jay Leno found the Corvette C3 1981 to be the better deal, considering its affordability and simplicity. He also found it more fun to drive despite its lower power compared to the Ferrari. However, he acknowledged the Ferrari as a superb car, though its F1 transmission detracts from the driving experience. The budget required for a Ferrari 355 F1 is around 105,000 euros, which could buy nearly ten equivalent Corvette C3 1981 models. The five-year evaluation grids show that the Italian car appreciates in value faster than the American. For an owner who drives frequently, the contrast between the simple pleasure of the Corvette and the costly sophistication of the Ferrari weighed heavily in the decision.