fs2004 requires much better computer?

Is 2004 better than 2002, I could ask you if 2002 is better than 2000, of course it is, time marches on.
I don't have a powerful computer but I make do with what I have.

You have it so adapt it to the limitations of your computer.
Go into the Sim settings and turn down all the slides (left) below default.
Turn off, shadows, lower clouds to a minimum, scenery almost off to off.
Try each slide off, fly a little and see if you can live with it. As you see which setting on off is acceptable use that and at least you'll be able to fly and enjoy the Sim
Turn off as much of your background programs as possible to maximize the cpu and possibly the video card that you have.
Use one of these, don't just give up. http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;331796
If your not running XP use this to find your OS. http://www.blackviper.com/Articles/OS/OSguides.htm
If you are running XP use this. http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm
Or this.
Get the latest drivers for your card and get DirectX 9.0c.

Good luck and enjoy!

thanks for the tips.
but if everything is turned off, i am sort of turned off too....
the graphics is really something powerful in this simulation.
do you think adding some ram would help? ram is probably
one of the cheapest hardware upgrades nowadays....

It's mostly video card and CPU. Ram only helps with the texture rendering and with the stutters (slide show). For the price of it now I would get it and see what it does for you.
The new weather, ATC all the features are very nice.