I have a basic 5-speed manual 02 OBW and have noticed the following:

When accelerating, unless I give it a good amount of gas, the engine seems to hesitate. Not like it's gonna stall, more like I'm changing how much gas is being given. It's hard to keep the acceleration smooth. It also happens when coasting (in gear, but no gas) at slower speeds - again, not talking real slow or close to stalling.

It doesn't seem to matter whether or not the engine is cold/warm. Also, it seems like after certain RPMs I get a sudden boost. Shifting seems fine, just the accelerating part is jerky.

I've only used 87 gas, from different stations, haven't noticed any difference.

Is this just the nature of manual subies? I've only been driving it for 2 months so it's all a bit new to me.

Thanks.

This sounds like the classic 'hesitation' problem, well-addressed on this forum.

 

Do a search on this thread for the word 'hesitation', and all will be revealed.

 

I have the same problem with my 2002 Forester. I can almost eliminate the symptoms by idling for about 10 seconds immediately after starting the car.