Some are so clueless it is not even funny
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Look at how many years it has taken to get decent wheels and tires for most uses in 17 that fit under the car.
16's would give more options(not as many as I wish there were of course) save some weight and still look good and fit over the off the shelf BBKs.
IF the car had a bit more wheel well area, wider fender flares and a more universal bolt pattern, etc then 17's would of been an easier option but there really was no need for 17's other than marketing.
I have had two sets of 17's, one 16 and 7 or 8 sets of 15's though would of preferred 16's if the right ones were available when I built the car at 273 miles starting 4+ years ago.
There is simply far to much logic, reason and physics involved to counter any reason for 17's over 16's except style, unfortunately still not a great deal of good 16" tires to pick from either.