Ok, Does size matter? I want to get new wheels for my 15 in tires...should I get 16 or 17inch tires and wheels instead? Will the car ride differently on larger tires? Better? Please advise and as always, thank you in advance for your help!!!
No size doesnt matter - its how you use it! I dont think you can get larger tires without getting larger rims. If you can, it'll look really disproportional (too much black rubber). Now on to your question. Larger tires usually mean a softer ride. Larger rims usually mean a harder ride. People usually buy larger rims AND larger tires so the ride is harder overall. However, handling generally improves significantly with larger tires. Your mileage may suffer, however, because larger tires and rims are heavier. There is more energy required to rotate the larger mass. I think 17" wheels/tires look awesome... It can be an expensive upgrade though depending on what kind of rims you buy. Lots of people believe if they have 4 working rims/tires, why change it. Take care sweet cheeks. EDIT: Hey babe, if youre looking to go larger purely for cosmetics, i recommend going for 17" and skipping 16."
Because you need to keep the circumference the same larger wheels will need lower profile tires, i.e. the sidewalls will not be as tall compared to the tread width. That means the larger 17" wheels with lower profile 215/45-17 tires will not have as much cushion as the 15" wheels with 195/65-15 tires. In theory this means the 17 inch setup may not ride as well but should handle better and due the the extra width they will stop better. In the real world I don't know if you could tell any, or much, difference in the ride. I have driven the 15" wheel cars and I can't tell much difference between them and my 17" wheels as far as ride, but I think there is a big difference in performance. Tire pressure and the type and manufacturer of the tires may make more difference in the ride quality. As mcmaster05 said the 17 inch wheels and 215/45 tires definitely look better.
If you lived in a winter belt state having summer wheels in a 16 or 17" size and winter wheels in a 15" size would make sense, but you are in Florida, so switching to 16 or 17" wheels will simply give you a more sporty and depending on tread width safer ride. You do want to choose a wheel tire combination close to the 24.3" circumference you presently have. Size only matters in bombs and horse shoes... err, alls fair in love and war... ahhh... it's not the meat it's the motion
The difference is small enough that you shouldn't notice it unless you are super anal. I do recommend staying around the 25" diameter to assure proper operation of TCS
