The difference is not only VSA so you should do some more research.

It would be a lot easier to do mods on the 04, especially FI because it has the cable throttle and regular fuel setup.

Don't get me wrong, I love my VSA because it saves me from myself in town driving when I feel like drifting every left turn. On the other hand, it's always off in the mountains as well as on the track.

 

+1, It will keep you out of a few reckless driving tickets in town meanwhile you CAN turn it off if you absolutely HAVE to drift that ONE turn!

 

I've had 00, 04, 06(with VSA) and and 05 with SC
I loved the 06 and found the VSA very good.
It had to go so I could go SC.
So IMHO spend the etra $$

 

if you're ultimate question is VSA worth it then yes... but if you're comparing 04 to 06 there's more to VSA like everybody mentioned. I have a MY06 with VSA and I can say it has saved my ass. Also I had my rear tires changed while leaving the front with the factory ones as the thread is very good on them. However my VSA system began engaging on simple freeway turns. Well after much diagnoses it was determined the rear tires were more stickier causing oversteer which engaged the VSA. When I turned the VSA off I would have never known. So IMO yes VSA is definately worth it in more ways then just saving your ass

 

x2

 

Daytime Running Lights also make the 06/07 a little safer since the old excuse "I didn't see you" carries much less weight. Overall , these are safer cars.
For the $4k difference, you get a newer model with probably less milage and a better re-sell/trade value when the time comes.
When you consider these facts, all extra money spent now are not totallly lost since most will come back at a later date.

 

the more safety feature the better, because the more you grow the less aggressively raw you drive.

 

I think it's worth it, if you're new to rear wheel drive. VSA saved me plenty of times.

 

on one hand VSA does save you... i know mine did. I'd be in a ditch somewhere if it wasn't for VSA. on the other hand, it does let you drive like a fool knowing that if you do something stupid, like floor the gas on the wet turn, you won't spin out.. you get dependant on it. So if you want your s2k for daily driving - get the 06. If you want to track and are confident and not too hot-headed - get an 04

i got the 06 i know i do stupid things sometime

 

If the rears stick better than the fronts, would this not cause understeer? Seems like sticky rears and loose fronts = push.