Crude Oil vs the S&P 500. This interactive chart compares the daily price of crude oil versus the level of the S&P 500 over the last 10 years. In 2008, it was the S&P that refused to confirm the final spike in commodity prices whereas in 2016, oil is the asset class that is indicating that global deflationary forces are setting in. WTI is sweeter and lighter than Brent, making it ideal for gasoline refinement. Brent Crude Oil. Brent oil, on the other hand, is much more global, and it comes from four different oilfields all in the North Sea: Brent (remember the name), Forties, Oseberg, and Ekofisk (these oilfields also lend themselves to the alternative name - BFOE). Key Difference - Shale oil vs Crude oil Shale oil and crude oil are two types of energy sources. Of these, crude oil is well-known as the main energy source for several decades but, shale oil is considered as an emerging energy source that can be used as an alternative solution for high crude oil demand in the market.