Will 215/45/17 tires fit on my R53? There are a lot more winter tire options at that size than 205/45/17. I am thinking about buying some R90 wheels for summer and keeping my s-lites for winter use.

 

I do think that 215/45 17 will fit your R53. But narrower tires are generally better for the winter especially in snow.

 

They will fit but you want a skinner tire in the snow for sure
We sell winter wheel and tire packages that come with Steel wheels than are packaged price and sell very well. Plus you now you dont need to run your alloys or nice wheels in the winter

 

What are your thoughts on Performance Winter Tires compared to Studless Ice & Snow Tires?

 

Is their a better winter tire size that I should purchase for my stock 17 inch wheels. If I get the R90 wheels for summer I really don't want to buy steel wheels. I would rather use my s-lites even though they may not be the best.

 

I think they will handle better than Studless Ice and Snow. Most snow tires do change the handling character of the car but I think that many studless ice and snows do tend to make the car a little too sloppy.

 

You may want to speak with Alex at Tirerack, he will giveyou good advise for your driving conditions and style. Personally I would go with something a bit more narrow and a 16 or 15 inch rim

 

Switch to 16's if you want winters...less chance of rim damage, cheaper rims, cheaper tires...IF they will fit!!
Gen1 is A-OK unless you have a BBK, then they will need to be test fit. Others, you will need to ask or test fit!!