Some cars appear more frequently on YouTube and social media as modified rockets than others. But with skill, can’t you put any engine or any other part into any car?
Actually, if trying to maximize performance, why not build from scratch? Why is “1,800hp GTR” more interesting or common than “1,800hp car built in garage”?
In: Engineering
A car is a lot more than just an engine. Within reason, it is possible to change engines in any car to something far more powerful but the chance of a car working well having done that is much less likely.
Some cars/models are already engineered with power and speed in mind. Better brakes, suspensions, differentials, gearboxes, cooling and a strong rigid frame. Upgrading the engine likely still allows for much of this stuff to remain stock or to be upgraded fairly easily. These would be the usual models that you mention. Once this happens, then other companies find it profitable to make and test upgrade parts and therefore upgrading becomes cheaper and more reliable.
Cars designed for other features, comfort, capacity, efficiency, cost etc will not have these features. So upgrading to a more powerful engine will require a LOT of extra upgrades – both expensive, complex and potentially unreliable. Since fewer people do this, parts manufacturers won’t find it profitable to make aftermarket parts for them.
Of course, there is also “cachet”. More (young?) people would be impressed by a modded EVO or GTR. Probably fewer would be impressed with a modded Toyota Prius.
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