Board Thread:Naruto Discussions/@comment-9782468-20140711025221/@comment-26302001-20140712214850

It was even stated Hiruzen has never lost a battle, I saw it in the manga and databooks I believe and I won't doubt it seeing as he was the longest reigning Hokage. When they were all surrounded the day Tobirama died, Hiruzen proudly and boldly said he was stronger than everyone he was with including Tobirama, and Tobirama did not disagree. He sacrificed himself and chose Hiruzen to be next Hokage instead. Madara said that before wood release and Rinnegan, while he was alive that Tobirama was just as strong as he was, and Madara was not much behind Hashirama. So all in all Hiruzen was stronger than Madara pre faking his death, when he became Hokage, and he was still young there, he wasn't even in his prime yet.