Big difference was the 717 is a DC-9 made more efficient, a proven low cost airliner which is why boeing persisted with the type. The E-Jets and the like have not proven any real profitability world wide, with straight forward economic issues like fuel burn and reliability.
The main reason anyone who knew the issues in europe and the US knocked the type when
VB announced its introduction.
The same will apply if they choose the wrong turboprop for the market.