Not to slag out Supras, a mate of mine owns one. Having driven a mates 97 SZ-R 6 Speed n/a Supra and having owned an R33 GTST, Stock for stock the 33 leaves it for dead all day every day. The R32 being lighter with similar power output but less torque than the Supra would be on par with the JZA80 but would handle better. I went into driving my mates Supra with great expectations and left with great disappointment, it felt torquey but if felt like something was lacking in the top end, It looked like I was driving a sports car - but I felt I was driving a Falcon XR6 or Commodore S! (same power to weight ratio) If it went as well as it looked it'd beat a Ferrari! My stock 240k old 1991 MR2 used to hold the JZA80 off in a straight line
Dont discount the R33 GTST as well you will get better gains from modding an RB25DET over the RB20DET, unless you plan to put one in an R32! If u want handling go the R32, you want power go the 33.
You talk about the stigma of owning a 33. What about the stigma of owning a Supra?