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Speaking for just the 80s V8, I've done all the work on mine over the years.
They are no more difficult to work on than a Porsche.
The biggest difference is there isn't as much information available. There's no Bentley manual or 101 Projects for your Ferrari. Also, there isn't as much info on the web (although that's been getting a little better over the past few years).
But through '89, they are all carbed/CIS injected cars, just like a 911, so the fuel system is the same. Suspension, steering, brakes are simple (brakes are exactly like a 911). Changing the clutch is easier than on a 911. Regular maintenance (oil, fluids, filters) are easy. Valves are adjusted by shims, like on a watercooled VW, and lots of other pedestrian cars.
The only maintenance hassle is the cam belt system, you don't have that on a 911, but the difficulty of changing the belts is highly, highly exaggerated. Changing belts is easier on an 80s V8 than on a Honda, b/c access is easier.
There is just a different culture in the Ferrari enthusiast world. Way more checkbook mechanics, overall a lot less DIY and mechanical interest or knowledge. The lack of knowledge leads to fear, paranoia and a lot of irrationality as far as maintenance and repair.
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