This might sound like a stupid question, but does a '98 1.8t Passat have a throttle position sensor? I went to a few local auto stores and neither thought that the car has one. I thought that it probable does. In any case, my car sometimes feels as if it accellerates better at only half throttle, or the difference between half and full throttle is barely noticeable. I also thought that possibly the fuel filter might cause symptoms like this. Thoughts??

It does have a TPS but if it were bad it would set a check engine code. I'd look at the vacuum hoses that go to & from the turbo.

They do have a tps its part of the throttle body and can only be replaced as a unit.

Sounds like a bad maf sensor when you describe the "accell better at half load than full load"

ALso fuel filters should be replaced every 30-40k miles

Where is the fuel filter located? I picked one up yesterday. I figured that I'd start with that, then check the vacuum hoses to and from the turbo, and replace if necessary, and then lastly look into replacing the MAF sensor. Thanks for the information.

Fuel filter under car in front of right rear wheel. There is a cover that goes from right to left you must remove (4 10mm nuts and 1 philips screw in middle.) Dont forget to replace the hose clamps with new ones

When you previously mentioned bad MAF sensor, would that throw off a check engine code?