The one on the left is the earlier style used from late '94 to early '96. On the right is the style used from mid '96 to '99.
Steering Wheel Styles
VW changed the steering wheel / airbag design some time in the middle of the 1996 model year. Here are pictures of both types:
The one on the left is the earlier style used from late '94 to early '96.
On the right is the style used from mid '96 to '99.