Something that's been buzzing around in my head, an idea to use in a car article. No secret that some cars share more with other car that just belonging to the horseless carriage kind. Like, Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable. Or, my more favorite example to use, Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky/Opel GT/Daewoo G2X. And more recent, Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86.

Observing this going on, a question arises: so, what about using their parts interchangeably? (Granted, not all the parts, as there are differences, but generally.) Pros? Cons? My thinking is, if it saves money, do it. Someone's reply to my voicing of the idea was that I never know how old those parts are, if they are going to last, etc. I wanted to use this in an article, but following his reply and a recommendation to not include this in my article, I decides some research was in order.

I realize this is a gaming forums, but I've seem some meaningful car discussions here before, thought briefly. I suppose there are better places to ask and I should give those more thought. But can I start here?

Another idea is that, as I understand it, over time the car loses horse power? Something about improper maintenance?

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If this is too narrow of an idea, let's broaden this up and include general automotive discussion. Like, just today (technically yesterday) I pondered getting Daewoo Nubira. Simply because I don't see many of them where I am and this is going to be more or less my way of having a unique car. The car isn't exactly my dream car, but it seems decent-looking. Plus, I figure it'd not be a big hit on a wallet when it comes to mpg.

Another tidbit: Ferrari's hybrid hyper car bowed this year in Geneva. I am disappointed with how they did the car. I can't argue against the green benefits. And over 900 horses. But the skin that it's wrapped in is a weird mix of F12, P4/5 and I don't know what else. I am disappointed that Ferrari equated this car to the GTO, F-40, F-50 and the Enzo.

Same goes for the C7 Corvette. It is disappointing that something as interesting as the recent Stingray Concept was not a bigger influence in the C7. Instead, we got a face lifted C6. I can't argue with whatever tech or performance start GM comes up with for the production version. And I certainly hope and expect the C7 outdoes C6 and its feats. But again, the sheet metal of the car just doesn't do it for me.

Oh, and obligatory "I drive" and "My dream car is" entry:
I drive a green 2000 Corolla.
Dream car would be one I design, or at least contribute to. Failing that, I've been looking at the Cayman, M3, Enzo, AC Cobra, 599, SLK (not the newest one though), Mazda Furai, Mazda RX-7, Aston 0ne-77, Alfa Romeo C4, Audi A4... list is long.

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Mostly, I am interested in talking about the two ideas for my article... any input is welcome and great and appreciated though, one of the things I can keep talking about is cars