Originally Posted by ET16
I bought some 17 inch rims for my Saab 9-3. It has 15 inch rims now with 195/60/15 tires, but I wanted a little better handling.
The 17 inch rims should take 205/45/17 tires to achieve the original diameter. Any opinions?
Get larger diameter tires. From another thread, I wrote:
My 2008 Hyundai Accent & 2013 Elantra now have bigger wheels/tires & I love them. Both the Accent & Elantra now have 55,000+ miles total distance traveled on the larger set-ups. The Accent tires (from 14inch to 15inch wheels) are 2 inches taller than standard. The Elantra tires (from 15 inch to 17 inch & 18 inch wheels) are as much as 2.7 inches taller than standard..... The 17's can have aspect ratios(AR) up to 55. I've had AR's of 45 on the 18's, but they should handle 50's. My recommendation is to get several sizes & types of wheels, so you can have fun, changing your wheel style, say when you change tires. If you like distance traveling a lot, keep your aspect ratio between 45 & 65 (& drive careful on the 45's). 40 aspect ratio & lower are only for local travel, only on smooth roads & watch like a hawk for potholes. My recommendations of different wheel sizes is because I buy used wheels/tires, can easily afford the various sizes AND drive gently. If you don't drive gently, you'll put more strain on your suspension components, which is a good way to make long term friendships with car repairmen.
With the bigger wheels/tires tho, snow chains won't fit. So keep your old wheels/tires ready for snow.