There are several reasons why people spend so much time and money on cars. It goes beyond just transportation. If it was just transportation then people would buy the most efficient form of transportation. People spend their own money and time on making the transportation better and sometimes, even very showy.
Would scientists spend as much time as jazzing up the microscope? Or would they just use it so that it gives them better images? Or would they put paint on it and make it also look good?
Just wondering what is the difference. The passion and interest is probably the same with both the professions, so it has nothing to do with commitment.