Owners of elements have put rims from 15" to 22" on their E's.
As far as "ride" and "handling" these two are on different ends of the spectrum imho.
The bigger rim you have the less sidewall on the tire to maintain as close to stock wheel diameter as possible.
The shorter stiffer sidewall while increasing the tires ability to handle lateral gs also significantly increases the ride.
So for great handling you have to sacrifice ride.
I run 20s with 255/40/20 on my element and they handle great.
