Mazda Repair: 95 Mazda 626 lags between 1st and 2nd gears., mazda 626, engine speed

Question
My husband and I just bought a great Mazda 626 yesterday. The problem it seems to have is switching from 1st to 2nd gears,it really lags, almost like it is going to stall out. But when it finally gets there, it jumps into action and away we go! What is going on here?

Answer
626 is not my specialty but, a common low RPM issue is aged ignition wires and plugs.  Check them if not replaced do so.  The transmission looks to the engine speed and load as to when to shift.  It does it both electronically and with a vacuum signal.  Low or over filled transmission fluid is another common issue.