sluggish car

[84LX89GT]

It sounds like you might have an ignition misfire, I would check the plugs and see if any are fouled or worn away. Another thing I would do is get soapy water and spray down the ignition wires and see if it runs worse or if you can see an arc. Having an engine run worse and smell like fuel (not igniting the air/fuel mixture) under load is usually a sign of spark plug wires that have broken down. Also visually inspect them for signs of black spots on the wires close to metal it can ground through.

I'd also check and see if the engine overheats at all or if there's any coolant in the oil or vice versa because 3.8s from the mid 90's love to eat head gaskets like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches....speaking of the devil, I think i'll have a PB&J sandwich.