7/16 vs 9/16 Hurricane Impact Windows?

Posting here in case anyone here knows about windows in SoFlo.

I am getting quotes to redo the windows and doors on my home. It'll be 9 windows and 2 doors. My biggest reasons for getting the windows are 1) safety and 2) noise. The house is in a busy and growing neighborhood, so I'm trying to drown out as much sound as possible. Current windows are from at least '70s and don't do much in terms of reducing sound.

I was originally quoted with all companies for 5/16 inch glass panes but asked to upgrade to 7/16 as I learned the double pane can help with sound. One of the companies offered to upgrade to 9/16 for the price of 7/16.

Quotes (both include permits):

~17.5k company A for 7/16, low E, aluminum windows.

~19.5k Company B is 9/16, low E aluminum windows.

My question: Is 7/16 really that much different from 9/16? Is 9/16 excessive? The windows weigh more too, so are there potential installation issues?