At age 16 I went solo and my dusty old logbook says I had 7hrs 50mins at that time.
At 17 I went on to complete an RAF Flying Schol which was three weeks long. I added 10hrs to get a PPL the week after in min hours.
I think in general and with wide variation it is preferable to be younger and train more intensively if you can.
This thread really shouldn't be taken as a willy measuring competition. As an instructor I have sent weaker students earlier than stronger ones for all kinds of reason including weather, my worktime utilisation, particular aircraft availability, confidence/morale issues, team building etc. etc.
Good luck one and all,
WWW