Phill625:
I work at a gunshop in the midwest, and the Bersa Thunder 380 is our best-selling pistol in that size/caliber class, hands-down. We've largely stopped carrying the more expensive SIG and Beretta .380s, because the Bersas shoot just as well for half the money! And we have yet to send one back for any kind of repairs.
The Makarov is an excellent pistol, but is quite a bit bulkier/heavier than the Bersa due to its all-steel construction. On the up-side, the 9x18 round is a bit more potent than the .380, mags are cheap, and there are several aftermarket items available (www.makarov.com) that can turn a Mak into a decent carry weapon.
I correspond with a couple guys in Argentina (where the Bersa is made) on a regular basis. They say that because Bersa is "home grown," the brand doesn't have the popularity that some of the import names do (Colt, Glock, S&W, etc)... but despite that, almost EVERYBODY has a Bersa in their collection. It's the "old standby" down there, like a Smith J-frame would be here in the States.