Wheel size vs. performance

[mtheoro]

Hello everyone,

I am about to purcase a Mazda5 Sport GT. Initially I was in the market for the GS model but due to stock shortages I ended up signing for a GT.
The GS comes with 205/55/R16 while the GT with 205/50/R17. Besides the slightly cooler look what do the 17" inch rims with the lower profile tire bring? I don't mind the cool look and the improved performance, HOWEVER, I care more for safety and good mileage. I mentioned safety since I will be driving about 4-5 months/year in winter conditions and I read someplace something like "I use -1 rims for my winter tires" but there was no proper explanation given. Could someone shed some light into this for me? Should I go for 16" rims with the appropriate winter tires for the winter, or should I just purcahse winter tires for the existing rims. From what I read on the internet, it seems that 17" handles better than 16" while providing a stiffer ride. Is there a price to pay for this, like worse gas mileage, tire wear?

Thank you for your time and please go easy on the jargon, I am a newbie when it comes to cars. You can make it as complicated as you want when it comes to numbers; I teach math for a living

 

[goldwing2000]

There's no secret mojo formula about it.

The biggest reason for going '-1' for winter tires is cost. the smaller the wheel, the cheaper it will be and the cheaper the tires for it will be.

Wheel diameter has little effect on wear or mileage. It can affect performance, since a larger wheel moves around the weight of the wheel/tire assembly and changes the centripetal/centrifugal forces, but nothing you should really be worried about with only a 1.