Time to buy some new winter tires for my 2016 base WRX (17" OEM wheels). I was running 235/45/17 Dunlop WinterSport 3D but they are bald. Contemplating switching to a narrower size bc I heard its better in snow but not sure. I believe 215/50/17 is the only other size I can run. I live in Buffalo, NY. Streets are usually plowed pretty well but do get occasional deep snow.
Option A: 235/45/17 X Ice XI3 ($515)
Option B: 215/50/17 Altimax Arctic 12 ($450)
If I were to get the XI3 in narrower size they would be around $700.