Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires Tire size: plus size question

I was wondering as I looked at the Tirerack web site at wheels and their recommended tire sizes:

If I buy 16" wheels and go with their recommended tire size, I still end up using a 205-width tire, so, what do I gain? [my current tire size is 205/60-15]

If I buy 17" wheels and use their recommended tire size (215/45-17) now I'm using a wider tire. I can understand how the wider width will help me in corners: more rubber working against lateral acceleration.

Then I played with the tire size calaulator on the Miata web site and I realized that changing to the 17" wheel/tire combo will put my car on tires that have ONE INCH LESS sidewall height.

My question is this: is the smaller sidewall height really much of an advantage on the street? Won't the (probably) heavier wheels have a detrimental affect on the driving dynamics of the car? Does the advantage of a shorter sidewall adequately offset the disadvantage of the heavier wheels?

Thanks for your time.

Mike