96 Protege really loud!

Ok....I have this 96 protege that has no acceleration in 1st or 2nd gear. When you are going in any gear it sputters in mid cruise (any speed) and sounds like an ultimate rice burner all the time. I don't know much about cars but I do know it has a catalytic converter and a resonater.... don't know if that is the problem or if i should look elsewhere. Any ideas would be appreciated!

It sound that is simply out of maintnece. Do a tune up and you should see an impruvement. Also it sound like a ricer because of the resonator. If you wish to elimate it you'll need to install a muffler. But that is not something you can do be your self unless you have a welding machine.