As people get older, age is less and less relevant in relationships. However, like @hawaii_jake said, teenage years are growth years. I can guarantee that you’ll feel differently about a lot of things once you’re 24.
17 and 24 are a world apart, in my opinion. 17-year-olds are usually still in high school, living with their parents. 24-year-olds are often finished with college and looking to establish a career, and living on their own. He can legally smoke, drink, serve in the military, buy porn, and you can’t. That alone makes for different lifestyles which don’t mesh.
When I was 16, I dated a guy who was 5 years older. It didn’t work for all of the reasons I mentioned, and for all the reasons that others have mentioned. I wish I had listened to my parents.