vw/audi 1800 carb

[mamn97@pop.dial.pipex.com]

>I ( my parents) have an '89 vw 1800 carb and since the engine is the
>same as in audi 80s/4000s I wonder if anyone can help?
 The problem is in it's performance. I drove it 2 years ago and was 
impressed with the performance. Having been insured on another car 
for the past 1.5 years I began driving the golf again and was 
disgusted with the performance. U can barely get the wheels to spin 
in first gear though it does pull fairly well at low revs, once I 
go past 4000, when it used to get better, the power gets no better 
and I find its almost better changing gear. the max power seems to be 
equivalent to a 1300 at 4000rpm so it seems as though it has a major 
problem or is this normal for a 100k+ car?The engine sounds very 
good - no funny noises, no smoke, just like it was. It's got VAG 
service from new and was seviced a few weeks ago but I was told of 
no problems. I've been told by a friend that it could be due to low 
compression - cracked block maybe. What do u think?? Anyone who has 
had similar experience please help! Should I get rid of the car? Its 
merely run in with 127000 

cheers
 Ed