175/55X17 V 195/45X17? Any Noticable Difference?

I'm getting a set of standard NA wheels powder coated and some new tyres before Spring comes bouncing along.

The existing Bridgestones have plenty tread, but getting on a bit in terms of age, so thought I would replace - not necessarily with the same.

So...assuming I go to 195/45 x 17 on the front, am I likely to note any real difference in handling or steering effort? 

Vix will be used to commute to work when Spring comes, and I need a decent set of tyres which will cope fine with occasional rain.  Has anyone on here got any recommendations when it comes to general use tyres - guessing anything from Falken, Hankook, etc will work just fine?

Thanks all.

I found it was able to brake with less lockups

I am running 195 x 17 winter tyres at the moment.

Car has much lighter steering and rides better than on AD08R x `16 which would be my comparison tyre.

Paul