I see cars with 8.5, 9, 9.5 wheels in front and from 9 to 11.5 in the rear.
Is there a reason for the wider wheels, other than looks? Do the thinner wheels handle better?
What gives? Educate me please.

 

Smaller wheels and resultingly, smaller tires allow for better steering response but theres a smaller contact patch which means less traction. It's a tradeoff. Wider tires will give you more traction but will require slightly more effort in turning.

 

that's true. but most of people put thinner tires on only for snow. you get better traction in snow with thiner tires. i would go with wide if you are not driving it in snow. i have 9 in the front and 10.5 in the back.