I had to take my boss' 97 accord ex in for some new tires and an oil change last night. First thing I noticed, compared to our tight shifting gearbox....the accords stick felt really cheap and loooonnng throw. Second gear took forever to get up to red line. After driving that for 20 miles, got back in my msp and felt like I was driving an exotic!!
I will tell you what is fun. 'Driving my wife's 2002 Protege ES - then getting into my MAZDASPEED. Very cool! I love her car, too; but what a difference. She has driven my car; and now she understands why I got that ticket back in March! Ha!
I'm not looking forward to the summer... then again, our summers are probably similar to your winters.
One thing about the stumble is that I do notice it, but only under about 60% throttle ("spirited" driving). But as soon as I go past 75% there is no hesitation to be found.