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All for function .. tires imho are more important then wheels, and unfortunately tire selection in smaller sizes is way worse then in bigger sizes. I guess, it's because of generic trend of bigger and bigger wheels for new cars, and tire manufacturers mostly targeting those when deciding on sizing to manufacture, at least for their latest tire models. Yes, some tires still available in those small sizes more common for cars of past .. but are those available tires really best in class? Are those available cars of latest tire models released in last year or two or rather something that has been around for 5-10 years?
So as tire-wheel combo imho should be evaluated as whole, and as compromise in several areas, like tire selection, wheel selection, brake clearance, impact to handling and comfort, cost and availability of wheels/tires including in used market .. if "function" is considered as wheels&tires combo fitting best most needs, being "best compromise", then imho for twins R16 is go-to for winter tires, R17 for summer/track (and i'm considering about R18 for later, due several new tires starting from that size). Better tire on heavier/bigger wheel will outperform worse tire on lighter/smaller wheel. Only if rest being same, some performance can be net from lighter/smaller wheels .. unfortunately it gets harder or in some cases impossible to ensure that "same" and be able to benefit from "smallest possible wheels that still clear brakes". Hence one shouldn't be THAT much set on it, if it's at expense of important compromises elsewhere.
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