If we're factoring in Edo Tensei's use, then the Sannin take the victory. Without? They just get overwhelmed. They don't have anything which can physically boogie with the chakra absorbing Mokuryū (which subdued the 9 tails). Gamabunta even admitted that it would take a miracle for him to hold the Kyūbi for a reasonable amount of time, and that's even after he was summoned directly ontop of the Fox. The Sannin can't distinguish between Moku Bunshins and the real Hashirama because they lack the Sharingan's ocular powers [
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]. These clones can easily merge with the tendrils created by Shodai's forests and constantly supply him with information (and essentially, multiple viewpoints) regarding the Sannin's whereabouts and/or predicaments (via telepathy) [
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][
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]. This is gives Hashirama a great tactical advantage. In addition to that, none of them have any sort of one-shot technique which can eradicate all the unusually durable clones at once. A well placed Mokuton spike could very well spell the end for someone like Jiraiya, who lacks any sort of healing or recovery ability (particularly in base).
Hashirama's techniques are just on a different scale. The only thing which even comes close to denting it is Gamayu Endan, and even then, the 1st can always produce more and more forests by accelerating the growth of nearby plant life whenever he pleases. This is also assuming that Gamabunta hasn't already been crushed by the Wood Style. Something like Mokuton Sashiki (activated remotely) would be enough to finish him. By possessing self healing on the level of Tsunade's Byakugō, Hashirama limits the amount of Jutsu which the Sannin can use to permanently put him down. They've (the Sannin) got one counter to the Bringer-of-Darkness Genjutsu, and that's Jiraiya's barrier, which is only a short-mid ranged Jutsu. If they move to within close proximity of Jiraiya (so that whatever he can sense applies to them also), then they (as a unit) make themselves an even easier target to be crushed by Jukai Kōtan or the like. Even worse; if Hashirama was to combine the Infinite Darkness with Kajukai Kōrin, then the Sannin wouldn't be able to see pollen which would eventually cause them to fall asleep [
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].
