Most of the time a car that jerks when accelerating is an ignition break down either plugs, wires, distributer cap or rotor.
However when accompanied with a knocking tapping sound it might be a defective timing chain and gear because it sounds like the engine is out of time. In those engines they made the gear out of plastic and it wears out in about the mileage you have.
To Check it do the following.
Remove #1 plug. Rotate the engine until you hear compression on the cyl. Rock the engine gently back and forth until the cyl is TDC. Check your timing mark it should be close to TDC.
Put a long screw driver in the plug hole. It will rest on the cyl top..
Put a socket on the bottom pully. Gently rock it in both directions. If the timing chain is good there will be instant movement of the screwdriver. If you have to turn it a few degrees before the screwdrivwr moves then it is the timing gear and chain.
I hope this helps and it isn't as complicated as it sounds. Good luck
Tuesday, May 9th, 2006 AT 5:12 PM