Upgrading to 17 inch won't affect your torque and power, at least this is what I felt after upgrading mine. One of the reason is that most after market rims are actually lighter than the stock 16 inch rims.

Another reason to go with 17 inch rims because you get more tyre choices and also the price difference between 16 inch tyre and 17 inch tyre is actually very minimal to no difference. Of course you get to add some aesthetic value to your car as well.

215 / 50 / r17