As long as weight is close (rememeber just like wheels tire brands vary in weight too) and tire diameter is identical you shouldn't compromise suspension design, at all. As long as you have sufficent sidewall (which you can get in varying degrees in 17" and 18" wheels).
(Current Porsche 911's use 285/30-18 stock on their rear just as I do, so thats how I gather it is sufficent - and it is EXACTLY stock diameter)
Unfortunatly with 19's and Dubs the sidewall is no longer large enough to maintain stock diameter and perfrom well in performance driving.