I’ve driven the Suprima, test drive. Apart from the fact the tires were pure rubbish, I find the chassis and steering very good.
Tires were squealing all the way and salesman had a straight face. He must have been rather confident with the car.
Being FWD the Suprima did had its inherent understeer. But I don’t think it’s bad, it’s just predictable. Bearing in mind it’s a passenger car not a track car.
I’ve not driven the E36/46. But even with the modern F30 being the benchmark, i would still say the Suprima is good for what it is, stock. Do I believe it can be better than the E36? Possible, but being a RWD platform, some mods and the E36 will shine.
The example he drove with the Bilstein might just be old and tired. Other than the absorbers, the bushings and mounts also affect the handling of the car. Being over 20 years old, I’m not surprised he felt the Suprima was better, but I think the beemer must just be old and tired.
actually if stock to stock i would say suprima and e46/e90 probably have close handling quality level.. (differences are only between different tyre brand/model/grade used and fwd,rwd platform)...plus suprima being lighter....its not hard to tell that suprima is easier to handle compare to bimmer....
when talking some mods...again depend on what done on both car... lol