Hard to start. At 3000 rpm, a notable loss of power

run the fault codes and look for a problem area in the vane actuator of the turbo
it could be a sensor problem or a MAP sensor problem
this is indicated by the pressures being generated or not generated by a turbo generating pressure from the throttle opening on acceleration or held at constant speed

I guess I'll start by saying a 22 yr old car could be reaching the end of its life, so I would keep the RPM under 3000 to help keep it on the road a little longer.
You did not say the plug wires have been replaced, and they could also cause the miss. Also, one of the coils or plugs could be faulty even if they have been replaced.
The check engine light is not on, right ?

This will fix your fan speed problem....
ACDelco GM Original Equipment HVAC Blower Motor Resistor
the loss of power is something a qualified professional needs to look at,,,

Two things to check. First would be a stopped up exhaust. Second would be a bad distributor.

My 2003 jetta 1.8t does not have power. It gets up to speed slow and goes high in rpm.

COULD YOU HAVE PINCHED FUEL LINE UNDER TRUNK, ABOVE FUEL TANK?

my 1.9 polo dti revs to 3000 then losses all power and starts to smoke

Crank sensor or engine speed sensor is faulty.

Fault:
Irregular power loss on accelerating
The speed of the engine is limited till 2500rpm
Frequent loss of crankshaft position sensor signal

Cause:
It is caused due to leaking from thermostat housing into crankshaft position sensor harness multi-plug

Remedy:
Check and clean the crankshaft position sensor harness multi-plug contacts. Rectify the engine coolant leak from the thermostat housing if found. Take a note of the engine coolant level and monitor it for changes, showing a leak is indeed occurring.

the tranny is slipping ,,in other words its starting to go.

buy new spark plugs. i had same problem