The front suspension can be a little harsh, but unless I really concentrate on it I can't tell much of a difference between the ride qualities of my original steel wheels with 165R15 (I think a 72 sidewall ratio - what 'vintage' sized tires have when not specified) Firestone F560's vs. the wider wheels (with some fairly stiff sidewall'ed H rated Toy Proxes). It's just a little harsh either way - a vast difference compared to my 1800E's rubberized front end which feels positively plush following the PV. Handling around corners, however, is greatly improved.

As for hydroplaning - a wider tire probably makes any car more prone to it, and worse in the snow too. The tires I'm using now (Toyo Proxes FZ4) seem to have pretty lousy wet traction even when they aren't hydroplaning. I just buy them because they do well on dry pavement, have nice crisp stiff sidewalls (I detest a mushy soft sidewall), and don't cost an arm and a leg. I have a couple of other cars I drive when the weather isn't nice - so all weather capabilities for the PV isn't a big priority. The Toyo's do have a directional V-pattern in the tread, at least theoretically good for clearing water and preventing hydroplaning.

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I'm JohnMc, and I approved this message.