Getting winter rims 1 inch smaller: will it negatively impact my sport handling

[Sporty Fusion 2010]

I currently drive a 2010 Ford Fusion Sport. it has stock 18" rims. I was thinking of getting winter tires and rims to protect the current rims from the beating of winter. I figure they could get scratched and then rust.

If I get 17" rims, will that have a negative impact on my overall handling package this car has?  It has a stiffer suspension and corners very sharp, like a sports car.

[HeliDriver]

If we're just talking rim size, I'd expect that car to handle better on 17" rims.

Anyway, I assume you'll be putting winter rubber on the new winter rims, and that is where you're going to notice a degradation in handling. Not much you can do about that, though - short of moving to Florida.