Sorry to jump a thread but, I'm afraid my 1988 Ea82 wagon stick has the same problem, no power when pulling out in first gear, second has similar hesitation.
The car does not suffer from low idle and it never, ever stalls.
The only thing I do notice is I smell something burning, like the clutch was burning.
Now I have been driving stick for 20 years and have only ever burned out a clutch once and that was in a Nissan Truck that was stuck in 4 feet of snow years ago.
So Im not sure what is wrong with my car, the engine light works but does not come on as to say Hey I need attention.
So would all of you advise me to look at belts or something else ?
Now I have no clue how to tell if the belts are good, bad or in wrong.
Any Tips ????? Thanks Joe