In the 70s you could get both centerpull and sidepull caliper brakes. The sidepulls were cheaper and didn't work as well as centerpulls. Then they started making sidepulls that were superior to centerpulls. So it really depends on the brake design and quality. Cantis have always been the brake of choice for touring with a loaded bike.
Oil is good, grease is better.
2007 Peter Mooney w/S&S couplers/Terry Butterfly
1993 Bridgestone MB-3/Avocet O2 Air 40W
1980 Columbus Frame with 1970 Campy parts
1954 Raleigh 3-speed/Brooks B72