97 jetta trek running sluggish

Hello I have a 97 jetta trek that won't accelerate past 50mph. The car only has 72,000 miles on it.The transmission was replaced 4 years ago and the car had all the wiring replaced 1 year ago. The car has a new battery. Any ideas? It is an automatic.

Is your check engine light on. If so you need to have that checked to see which codes are popping up. Could also be ignition timing out of whack (distributor is not adjustable so maybe you timing belt jumped a tooth). Also make sure your iginition components are good like spark plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor. Make sure your coil is good, they are known for going bad and cracking. Spray water on everything in the ignition system including the coil. If you hear snapping or see sparking, replace that component. With the scan tool make sure the (MAF) Mass Air Flow reading are correct, oxygen sensor reading are good, make sure there are no vacuum leaks.

If all checks out ok and you still can't find the problem, either you or have someone disconnect your catalytic converter from the downpipe and see how it runs then. If your car accels like a new car again I'm afraid your cat is plugged and you need to have it replaced. Good luck and let me know what you find.