For my purposes I wanted the most parts for the money. Specifically I wanted the power functions parts, since the other parts like beams and wheels will accumul

For my purposes I wanted the most parts for the money. Specifically I wanted the power functions parts, since the other parts like beams and wheels will accumulate from every other set. The 42030 had the most power functions parts included. You can see which PF parts are included on the front of the box. 42043: - contains the pneumatic pump & tubes which are less common pieces - this is the only other large technic set I've bought (and I got it mainly for the pneumatic parts) 42009: - Lots of beam parts, but not many power functions parts included.