Best Momo steering wheel (for every purpose)
Mads van Appeldoorn
March 1, 2020
As Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you for purchases made through links in this post.
Which Momo steering wheel should I buy?
To be honest, there is no simple answer, but it makes sense to think about it. A steering wheel is not just a big, round thing that will be necessary until autonomous driving comes along. For our beloved classic sports cars, this horror vision will never happen. For me, a steering wheel is really something special. It is the only real connection of the driver with the car. The only connection that gives direct feedback.
If I steer strongly, the car responds to it. If I steer too hard, the direct connection will come to an end. Personally, I prefer old vintage steering wheels for classic sports cars that can tell a bit of its own history. I’m not alone with that. And then I started buying collecting. It started very harmlessly. In my first (old) Porsche was an old, beat-up, patinated steering wheel that somehow fascinated me, even if it was way too big, bus driver style and the grip was too thin. Then I started looking around, on swap meets, in thrift shops and online. And then I discovered a lot of nice old steering wheels and bought them for whenever. A few I had on the walls in my former garage. But a lot of steering wheels ended up in boxes in the warehouse.
Back to the initial question. Which steering wheel should I buy? Generally speaking, one for each car. But I don’t want to make it that simple. Let’s put it this way, it depends. Do I need more than one steering wheel? I would say yes.
Jackie Stewart, Prototipo, Rally 2000
Lots of Momo steering wheels
Maybe you are like me, I use a car for the track and for the street, although on very different streets. In the city, on the highway and sometimes I just drive through the canyons, for example the Angeles Crest Highway. And without a joke, it often happens that I change the steering wheel for that particular purpose. I don’t have a quick release device, it brings the steering wheel too close to me and with my height of 6”4’ it becomes uncomfortable. So loosen 6 Allen screws each time, change the steering wheel and tighten again.
Best Momo steering wheel for a lot of reverse parking and slow city traffic
If I’m in the city a lot, I have to steer a lot at very slow speeds, I have to park, which all requires a lot of steering work, especially with the limited slip differential. At those times, I’m super happy with my semi dish 370mm Momo Abarth. Due to the larger diameter, I need less force when turning in, which makes parallel parking in reverse at the side of the street much easier. And I have a better look at the gauges. A vintage Momo Prototipo in 370mm would be a great option too.
370mm Momo Abarth steering wheel
370mm Momo Abarth steering wheel
Best Momo steering wheel (not only) for canyon carving
And if I want to drive through the canyons, I prefer to take a semi dish Momo Prototipo in 350mm diameter. The steering is a bit more compact, especially with faster turns and the grip size is perfect even with light gloves. And a little closer due to the semi dish, but still great for relaxed driving. In general, the most versatile Momo steering wheel you can buy.
first-generation Momo Prototipo 350mm semi-dish
second-generation Momo Prototipo 350mm semi-dish
Best flat Momo steering wheel (not only) for long highway hours
Sometimes I drive longer distances, on the highway or up the way to Laguna Seca, straight on for quite some time. On those occasions I like to sit and steer in a very relaxed way. For that purpose I prefer to use my beloved Momo Jackie Stewart steering wheel, 350mm diameter, flat and with thick grip, that makes driving straight on super easy, also because the arms are in a even more relaxed position on the steering wheel.
Momo Jackie Stewart steering wheel
Momo Jackie Stewart steering wheel
Best Momo steering wheel for the track
On the track, I need something else. Closer to me and even more grip. From my point of view, either suede or alcantara is perfect for the job. My absolute favorite for that purpose is the Momo Rally 2000. 360mm in diameter, perfect handling and grip, just awesome! Collected quite a number for myself, won’t need all of those – so a few of them are even for sale.
Momo Rally 2000 in mint condition
Momo Rally 2000 after several month of hard work
Best of the best
When talking about the best Momo steering wheels, I am talking about a steering wheel for a 40+year old Porsche 911s. The handling in, let’s say a BMW 2002 for example requires something else with the engine in front any maybe smaller tires. But anyway, I have the Momo Rally 2000 in my BMW 2002 with 15″ tires and it feels great! And in my Saab 900 SPG and it’s the perfect size. Or you’re just looking for a period-correct Momo steering wheel or just one that’s 370mm or bigger? If you have questions or need advice, let me know! And please, always drive carefully and respectfully!
