The Stunts In The Movie Were Real
The stunts in the Mad Max movies are real and not computer-generated. This approach added a large degree of authenticity to the high-speed action. The stunts also brought a level of danger that’s hard to replicate with digital effects. That was why the producers went in that direction with the movie. The realism adds to the notable design of the movie props and the setting overall (via National Film & Sound Archive).
From the thunderous chase sequences to the spectacularly choreographed crashes, the physicality was intense. It was well worth it that the movie utilized these realistic stunts instead of special effects. Movies like Star Wars were just coming into play at the time. Overall special effects weren’t quite up to par yet. Needless to say, this desert battle played out in real life as they shot the film.