Planning to buy a new set of tires and wheels. Two choices are 205/45/17 and 205/50/16, both summer tires. I am keeping the oem wheels (it already has winter tires on). I am looking for the best compromise on looks and comfort. Feel free to share your thoughts. TIA.

 

I see NYC for your location, does that mean lots of potholes and otherwise rough roads? The only time I ever cracked a wheel was a 17" with a 40 series tire on it. Taller sidewall means not just a softer ride, but also more cushion to let the tire protect the wheel. Makes a difference if you want to lower your car too, my ride quality is harsh enough with the 16" wheels (same tire size you mention) and stiffer springs. Stiffer low profile sidewalls would only make it worse for me.

 

I live in Queens, I would say 7/10 our streets/roads are okay. My commute to work is 50 miles both ways to upstate NY. My current tire is 205/50/16 Michelin x ice and it's been good. I have the swift sport springs to be installed. Yeah i am leaning on the 205/50/16 summer tire, only thing is the body roll which I am sure will be lesser once I installed the springs.

 

unless you plan on lowering the ride, keep the 16 size. also be sure to keep the width and offset not too crazy.. meaning i believe the EX wheels are 16x6 with ET50 or something. so the widest id go is 16x7 with ET45 or higher on stock height and run 5mm spacers on the rear. (id target 16x6.5 wheels with ET45).

if you're going to lower the ride, i go with 17x7 ET42 or higher and run 5-10mm spacers on the rear. should look real nice. GL
for rear spacer anything thicker than 5mm will require stud replacement or the Kics type 10mm bolt-on. be sure your new wheel has voids between the lug bores before you buy the spacers.

 

Driving around NYC you want a tire that has a sidewall not a low profile one. They will be less likely to suffer pot hole damage. I'd go with the 205-50-16. A 7 inch wide rim will work with those. I'm not sure of the offset needed, but I'd stay close to whatever the oem is.

 

So far I've heard people complaining about the tires rubbing with 17" rims on.