Verified answer

It is not just a matter of rim size, but offset and wheel weight.

Both of these affect handling. Dollar wise the best ones are the polished ones off of the 5th anniversary models (15").

But please realize that unless you are experiencing problems with loss of adhesion in a turn, there is no reason to up-grade. Until your skill level and or comfort level in this car is such that you need what the lower tire profile will offer, save your money and take a driving school (Skip Barbour ? comes to mind, but there are other see link).

I drive 90 Mata's up here in the mountains of WV on 14" stock width tires, and while there are other cars here that should be quicker through the turns, the drivers lack either the confidence to keep up or the skill. So while I know that a lower profile tire would help me keep the advantage, it is not worth the expense.

But after doing a lot of research and talking to other drivers who have tried other rim sizes, a 15" rim would be my choice. But when shopping I would have to keep in mind wheel weight. This is because unsprung weight needs to be kept low in-order to keep the steering light. So look for the lightest tire and rim combination that will work.

For performance your best bet is to go with a 15" wheel at least 7" wide. An 8" wide 15 may be your optimum size for performance, that wide of a wheel will allow you to stretch your tire a bit which increases steering response and also enhances grip. Look at some of the max performance tires in 205/50R15 or 225/45R15 (you'll find the best selection of max performance tires for reasonable prices in the 15" rim size).

Check out 949Racing (www.949Racing.com). They make the 6UL in a 15x8, it's light and strong for a wheel that size and has the proper offset to work on your car. There is info on their site as to which wheels work with what tire sizes for various years of Miatas too.