is there any difference? i heard 225 on stock wheel ('98) will not handle as good as 215s ????

 

in 225 size there are more tire choices, 215 is the better size.

I have 225 and taking sharp corners the tires sorta feel like jello. However 225 is better for the highway and for the strip. If you plan on autocrossing and want better cornering response i would take the 215's hands down

 

How wide is the stock wheel?

 

215 on 16s wheels (i think 205 on 15s)

 

I meant the rim. Is it a 16x6.5" ?

 

SE stock is 16X6.5

 

I have 225/55/16 "winter" tires on 16x6.5" steel wheels on my 2002 SE, but that the size that makes the speedo closest to the stock 225/50/17's.