Never driven a Suprima. I expect it's similar to a Preve. Never driven a stock E36 before. So I wont be able to tell also. Still .. Bimmers are known to have good handling what with their 50/50 weight distribution, all alu arms coupled with their solid build. Thus I am a bit suprised when someone says a Proton FWD beats a classic BMW RWD.
Also kinda odd that the one with the powerful cruise liner agrees.
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.