Why are aircraft designed with these components and not some other configuration? Because these components are designed to take advantage of the four forces of aerodynamics. They work.
The four forces are thrust, drag, lift, and weight (gravity). Your car, however, doesn't have to lift anything to operate so it faces thrust, drag, and weight, only. Let's take a closer look at these four forces.
Why are aircraft designed with these components and not some other configuration? Because these components are designed to take advantage of the four forces of aerodynamics. They work.