i have had 205/60/16 pirelli sottozero, winter spikeless traction tires, and i think they muuuch softer and nicer ride than stock 50-series 17" firestone fuel savers. especially while we have really bad worn asphalts because of everybody using spike tires in wintertime.

for this winter I acquired 205/55/16 nokian spike tires, soon i know how much harder they feel ...reason for change is that 205/55 is cheapest size nowadays over here. they really look quite small under hhr but its only for couple months salty winter time only.

 

I will add one more reason for 215 60X16 ; they last a lot longer. I am currently at 82000 miles (corrected) on a set of Firestone Affinity Touring 70000 mile treadwear guarantee tires, not to the wear bars yet!

 

aqree with you don, our original firestones lifesavers are close to wear bars at 30 k miles!
16" are way better on worn out roads, 17" low profiles are too edgy and jumpy