dz24

Hey guys. I have owned a 1995 cavalier for about 3 years and just about a month ago i bought an '04 z24 manual trans. now compared to my 95, the 04's gas pedal seems very stiff. in fact ive never driven a car with a gas pedal this stiff before. I guess my question is, is this normal for the newer model cavalier's or is there something wrong? I mean after a few mins i got used to it and can drive it fine. the pedal doesn't stick or anything it's just about 4 to 5 times harder to push, it just seems weird.
also, im not sure if it's related but the clutch in this thing is supposed to be less than 6 months old but it seems like i have to let the clutch out a good 8 inches off the floor before it engages where my 95 was like less than 1 inch off the floor (although its clutch was wore out). not sure if this is normal either.
i couldnt find anything on the interweb about the gas pedal thing tho so im hoping to find answers here.