Board Thread:Naruto Discussions/@comment-25531508-20140923043228/@comment-22985334-20140925203628

Well we can't really know for sure how old they were. Also, when they fought Hiruzen they were no where near full strength and they were being controlled by Orochimaru. Also, if Hiruzen was as strong as you think he was in his prime then we more than likely would have seen glimpses of his strength while he was in his prime in a fashback at least, or maybe someone would have tried to find a way to bring him back as an Edo Tensei in his prime to fight Madara. However, it was said that Hashirama was the only one who could stop Madara.