I think there are actually a lot more stats to be considered, like - for example - a ships weight (which factors into collision behaviour). The handling itself can in no way be summarized in one single number stat. Harimau and Assegai, albeit displaying the same number on handling, have a totally different feel to them. Like I mentioned before, Harimau is very direct, even more so than AG-Systems, almost pinpoint handling, always follows the nose. Assegai, on the other hand, tends to swing out the rear a lot, and lends itself to drifting around wide, sweeping turns. Comparing the two is a bit like looking at a FWD car compared to a RWD car, actually.