Congrats. May I ask why you moved from an '03 to an '04?

 

To answer the question......You must drive the 'o4 a little to appreciate the differences.
The '03 is a great car, for my taste, it was a little rough riding and peaky, BUT VERY thrilling to drive. I KNOW that is the way it is supposed to be.
The 'o4 is much more responsive at lower engine speeds(0-100) where I do most of my driving. I like the new look and the wheels. Many of the mods I had considered(engine, wheels, fascias) were done by Honda for me in the '04.
The '04 handles well but is a softer-riding, (not plush by any means) car, I wished they had left the steering ratio alone, I like the increased suspension compliance. It has lost the go-cart feel somewhat but is more progressive in the steering control.
The '04 is MUCH quieter and FEELS stiffer, NoiseVibrationHarshness is DRAMATICALLY reduced.
The car is more refines and just not as edgy as the original, and YES, I do miss the 9000K redline.
When bought the '03 I was happy, I like the '04 very much too.
For my taste the '04 is more responsive as the speeds I drive, I wish the '04 has been able to keep the 9k redline however.
K

 

Congrats on the car. I got hit 1k miles on mine this weekend and got the full vtec goodness all the way to redline for the first time. It was amazing!!