Amber - I measured the steering wheels in our '95 854 base with a plastic surface and our '96 855R with a leather cover by Volvo.

They both measure the same.

Width (close to diameter) at center of the top spokes 15 1/2 inches

Outside circumference 49 inches

Circumference of wheel at the top 3 7/8 inches

As I read your post, I thought that the sedan's wheel was a bit thicker and smaller, but it is not.
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'96 855R,'64 PV544 driver, '67 P1800 basket case, '95 855, '95 854, the first three are mine, heh, heh, 485,000 miles put on 9 bricks

Amber - How about trying a nice leather steering wheel cover? I purchased an inexpensive cover for my '68 VW (my first new car BTW) that had perforations in it and attached by way of a flat lace that wrapped around it. It actually felt quite nice and held up well for the price.

BTW - My wife's '95 854 base does have a nice fat textured plastic steering wheel that I like,

Its not home right now, but later I will compare it to the leather covered wheel in my '96 855R and get back to you.
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'96 855R,'64 PV544 driver, '67 P1800 basket case, '95 855, '95 854, the first three are mine, heh, heh, 485,000 miles put on 9 bricks

Interesting, I drove both and did not notice any diffrence in steering wheel size, either grip or overall diameter.

The wheel should be interchangeable. I just can't imagine Volvo throwing a bunch of steering wheels away. The column cover is redesigned on the 1998, making it much easier to remove.

If you do the swap, remember to get a new horn ring as they tend to wear out. The airbag removal just requires the key to be out of the lock cylinder so the SRS doesn't get activated. I suggest loosening both of the screws before centering the the wheel prior to removal.

Klaus
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Volvos should be saved from the junk yards, not donated.