On a GXE will the stock 15" handle better or worse than the 16"?
Will it ride better or worse with the 15"?
If the 16" is just a package add on the GXE, does that mean the suspension and anything related is still the same with just the bigger tires?
What about speedo cal?

 

Tires with smaller sidewalls will handle better. Thus, 15" tires will not handle as good as 16" tires. However, 15" tires will ride a bit softer. The suspension on the GXE should be the same regardless of whether you have 15's or 16's. As for speedo recal, you don't need it. As long as the overall tire diameter is the same, it makes no difference. For example, 205/65/15 has almost the same overall diameter as 215/60/16.

 

I would never do a package upgrade to 16 inch. THey are still too small

 

Hey Teammate!! Take a look at this set-up. My 2001-SE has the 17"rims from my 99'MAX-SE. I elected to use the new Bridgestone Potenza 225/50/17 radials from the new car also. Together, the Konig Monsoons and the bridgestones give me a smooth ride and hard cornering when I need it. Plus their much lighter than the $530 per wheel 6 spoke OEM wheels that come standard with the car that I put up in storage. You can also do a 235/50/17. A rare size, but will give you a tad bit better grip, but you have to check the offset of the wheels first. anything between 35mm to 40mm is good for the MAX.

 

I'm taking off the stock 16" alloys that came with my 2000 GXE, and going to 17". My 16" wheels will have a set of snows on them for winter driving

 

stiffer sidewalls (typically on lower profile tires) will handle better. they also are usually wider, which amounts to more rubber on the road = less slip from standing start, better grip in turns, but slightly slower overall due to extra road friction

get it with 15" and then go buy 17"ers yourself - way cheeper tha buying them fom nissan.

leo b - good move on keeping the stocks for snows.