Lets summarize them don't we;
(assuming total diameter doesn't change)

Benefits;
Looks
Can mount better tyres
Better handling, grip and braking (from wider tyres)
Can mount bigger brakes


Cons;
Expensive tyres
Increased weight (unless you buy expensive forged wheels) from both wheels and bigger tyres
Reduced fuel economy (wider tyres are heavier and has more rolling resistance)
Tramlining (from wider tyres)
Looks (looks silly with tiny brakes)
maybe more noisy (due to wider tyres)
higher chance of wheel damage from less sidewall height
comfort is reduced from less sidewall height


Basically there are only 3 good reasons to go with bigger wheels. I dont think looks alone is a good reason especially weighing in the downsides.

Going +1 (14-15") is possible a good thing, +2 is overkill.

This post has been edited by jaycee1: Jan 17 2013, 10:37 AM

How to maintain? your overall size is so much bigger. From 165/60/13 to 225/45/17 the overall diameter is 100mm MORE.

My stock Satria had 185/60/14. Ever since an engine swap to the 1.8, I've had the 195/50/15 partly because I needed the wheel clearance to fit evo twin pots in.

After so many sets of tyres and hard driving I still didn't think it was worth it going to 16s. The car already handled pretty good on the 15s. Rare finds but 205/50/15 is just as wide as the 16"s normally for protons.

I rather spend money on good 15" tyres than cheap 16" tyres.

In fact I can get ultra stiff and grippy 15" semi slicks for the price of a half decent normal 16"

you can go +1 (16-17) without much ill effects other than more expensive tyres.

Ultimately, it is up to you what you are looking for in new tyres.

If you put comfort above all else, then stick with 16s, if you want a bit more road handling, then good 17" tyres is a good compromise.