Hashirama unlike the Ashura line was a complete prodigy and the greatest genius in the Naruto universe (aside from the ootsutsukis). With his own power he is the strongest character in the series.
Ashura was supposed to be a flunky with no skill but a success at hard work while Indra had power passed down to him. But from their first meeting Madara was always leagues inferior to Hashirama.
-Even in their final fight WITH the Kyuubi and the prowess of his little brother's eyes he STILL lost to Hashirama. To be honest, it would have made more sense if Madara was Ashura because Ashura was able to
achieve power equal to Indra with the help of his comrades. If anything he used the power of the Kyuubi (consider it an accomplice or comrade) to equal the power of Hashirama...
Ashura was supposed to be a flunky with no skill but a success at hard work while Indra had power passed down to him. But from their first meeting Madara was always leagues inferior to Hashirama.
-Even in their final fight WITH the Kyuubi and the prowess of his little brother's eyes he STILL lost to Hashirama. To be honest, it would have made more sense if Madara was Ashura because Ashura was able to
achieve power equal to Indra with the help of his comrades. If anything he used the power of the Kyuubi (consider it an accomplice or comrade) to equal the power of Hashirama...