Would greatly appreciate some advice from anyone whos had either 195/55/15 and 195/60/15 on a GE8, or tried both. Had a read at the other posts but mostly saw comparisons on r16s, larger than factory 5.5inch, or between 195/55 and 195/50.

I recently bought and had 195/60/15 Bridgestone RE003s installed on my 2012 GE8 Jazz (5.5 inch 15 factory alloys) replacing 175/65/15s (factory size).
This is my first car and I stupidly did not realise how noticible the effects of the extra sidewall height would be. Ride seems a bit lofty and soft even when I put in more pressure (tried anywhere from 34 to 38) and I feel a bit disconnected from the car (don't know how to describe it).
Can definitely see improvement in corners im assuming due to the jump in width despite the sidewall height, but can also feel a bit more roll/softness.

1. Am I wrong in saying that 195/55/15 would give me better handling which is what I want?
2. Are these benefits noticeble enough to offset other trade offs like dropping in ground clearance and "ride (horrific potholes and bumps in Sydney) and affecting the accuracy of the speedometer?
3. Would the 195/55s give a slight gain in accelration due to the smaller diameter and unsprung weight but reduce mpg/top speed?

I'm still within the 30 day exchange period so I can swap without paying anymore.

 

I have 195/60/15s. I had to use them on the stock 5.5" wheels for a while, until I bought wider ones. They were terrible on the stock wheels. Like driving on cotton balls. I don't think the difference between 60 and 55 will be that noticeable, especially on stock wheels, both in handling and acceleration. Overall, 195 is too wide for a wheel under 7" so few millimeters of sidewall won't make much of a difference.

 

I put 195/60s on mine, it rubs over dips.