performance sucks. I got 215/65 on 16" nissan rims... it's like a boat! I found a decent deal for tires/wheels. Paid less than I would have for winter tires for the stock 17s.

You might think our cars don't handle/corner well when stock. I'm looking forward to the day I can put my stock 17s and potenzas back on (and a cheapo fstb) so I can corner with confidence again. At least I'll be safe(r) on the snow/ice/freezing rain tomorrow.

 

When I mounted Blizzaks last winter, it was the first true winter tire I had ever used. There's no doubt that you have to modify your driving style with them on. During a quick lane change at higway speeds, I could actually feel the tire tread blocks squirming. Fast corners on dry pavement...I actually plowed through several into the oncoming lane. You really have to slow down on turns. Plus, if you hot rod too much, the tread will last about two weeks

Once I amended my driving habits (to extremely boring)...I got used to it. Plus, there is no doubt that I am safer in the foul weather.

The one plus...when March rolls around and I mount my summer tires, that first day or two of driving is great. My engine, clutch and suspension took more abuse in those couple of days than the car had in the previous year.

 

I can already see that coming!

 

I'm not kidding when I say that my snow tires, same size as yours, handle fairly well compared to the stock 17" potenzas. Certainly softer, but not I wouldn't say the performance is bad. Hmmmm.....

 

ya i put on my stock 16" with some dunlop winter tires mounted on em and the handling is so much different. I definately had to change my driving style for em.

 

You have to be careful when the temperature gets up around 45-50 degrees. After you have been driving for a while, the tires get spongy, and you will actually start sliding on dry pavement. I would not recommend using them at all above 55-60 degrees. The flip side to that is they stay pliable at sub zero temperatures where all-season tires start getting hard when your driving slow.

I have my Blizzaks on 15" steel wheels. They are much lighter than the 17" alloys, and you can feel it off the line. Better traction with the summer tires, but the lighter weight with the steel wheels makes up for it.