Is this about the old "Pennsylvania grade" motor oils? (Amalie, Pennzoil, Quaker State, Kendal) Don't know about now but there was a time when a paraffin based oil was a superior lubricant to a shale based oil. As long as it was changed at routine intervals and the engines operated within proper temperatures they offered superior service. But - If you rarely change your oil &/or filter or encounter a blown radiator hose/stuck thermostat...and your engine overheated it could "asphalt" your engine. It happened enough that some folks blamed it on the motor oil. (Couldn't be their fault could it?)
Since I plan on changing regularly and plan on operating with a sound radiator & hoses I still prefer Pennzoil. When on sale, or the only one available in the weight or grade I needed I've purchased Havoline. No problems with it.